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According to The Independent, the Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) of the European Union, which has been postponed multiple times, is set to begin on October 6, 2024.
The project, known as the pan-EU initiative, aims to create an automated IT system that registers non-EU nationals who are traveling for a short stay every time they cross the external borders of European countries.
People from Britain travelling to Europe will have to give their fingerprints and facial features, which will greatly lengthen the amount of time it takes for them to go through customs at ports, train stations, and airports.
The implementation of EES has faced multiple delays as member states face challenges in connecting their border systems to a central database.
It is believed that France has requested for the implementation of EES to be delayed until after the 2024 Paris Olympics in July and August. This is to prevent any potential delays during a period of high demand on facilities.
Eurotunnel has announced that the launch date for their car-carrying service, LeShuttle, between Folkestone and Calais has been scheduled for 6 October 2024.
In August of next year, member states will be required to confirm their readiness for the launch of EES. There is increasing pressure to implement the system as soon as possible due to worries about a potential increase in terrorist activity.
The Independent has requested confirmation from the European Commission’s Home Affairs department.
Before the Brexit vote, the UK was actively involved in creating the new system. According to the European Union, the EES offers a major benefit of time-saving. By replacing traditional passport stamping and implementing automated border control procedures, the EES streamlines travel to European countries for individuals.
However, the implementation of the new system may present challenges for operators in securing room at borders for additional processing. This is especially true for accommodating the checking of fingerprints and facial biometrics amidst high volumes of passenger traffic.
The challenge is difficult at the two hard European Union frontiers in Kent: at the Port of Dover and the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone. Passport checks are reciprocal: French Police aux Frontières officials examine documents before motorists board their cross-Channel transport.
If there is a non-EU citizen in the vehicle, according to EES regulations, the car must come to a halt in order to record biometric data.
Both areas, particularly the harbor, have restricted room for further processing.
According to Eurotunnel, the typical duration for handling a car at the French border will increase from less than 60 seconds to a range of five to seven minutes.
The company is investing €78 million (£67 million) in installing amenities at their sites in Kent and northern France, which will enable drivers to exit their vehicles and provide biometric information.
The Entry/Exit Scheme will be implemented for arrivals in all European Union countries, with the exception of Cyprus and Ireland. It will also be adopted by Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
After the program is implemented, UK citizens traveling to Europe will need to acquire an online permit called Etias. This will most likely be implemented six months after the EES is in operation, and travelers will have an extra six months to obtain the permit.
It is not expected that Etias will be required before the fall of 2025.
Please refer to our explanation on EES and Etias.
Source: independent.co.uk
