What is the EU’s new border system EES and the way does it work?

The subsequent time you journey from the UK to Europe, you would possibly discover some modifications.

The EU’s much-delayed new digital border system, the Entry/Exit System or EES, might be progressively launched this autumn.

The system is supposed to strengthen safety and finally make journey smoother, however there are issues it might result in lengthy queues when folks first register.

EES is a digital system designed to maintain monitor of when non-EU residents enter and go away the Schengen Area.

This covers 29 European nations – primarily within the EU – which member citizens can travel across freely without border controls.

It consists of many well-liked locations for UK travellers, reminiscent of France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece.

EES will ultimately change the present system which requires particular person passports to be checked and stamped by a border officer.

After being postponed a number of instances, the European Commission confirmed in July that EES will start on 12 October. It might be phased in progressively over six months.

At Dover, coach passengers will begin utilizing the brand new system on 12 October, adopted by different vacationer visitors on 1 November.

At Eurostar terminals, EES might be launched extra progressively.

Only a small variety of enterprise travellers might be invited to make use of the brand new system from 12 October. More passengers might be directed to make use of it over subsequent months.

Eurotunnel, which runs car shuttles by means of the Channel Tunnel, can also be anticipating to introduce EES in phases from 12 October.

EES must be energetic at each Schengen border crossing level in all 29 taking part nations by 10 April 2026.

The first time they use the brand new system, folks from most non-EU nations – together with the UK – should register biometric data whereas having their passport scanned.

This could also be finished with a border officer, relying on the place folks journey to.

Flight passengers will register once they arrive at their vacation spot airport.

But registration might be finished as you permit the UK in case you are crossing the English Channel by ferry from the port of Dover, taking the Eurotunnel shuttle to France, or getting the Eurostar practice.

At these locations, passengers should comply with the directions on kiosks – automated machines put in in devoted areas.

The machines will scan every passport, then take fingerprints and a photograph.

Children underneath 12 will not have to offer fingerprints. Staff must be readily available to assist.

The machine’s display will even current travellers with 4 questions on their journey, reminiscent of confirming the place they are going to be staying and that they manage to pay for.

Eurostar has put in 49 EES kiosks in three areas round its London St Pancras terminal. Passengers will use them earlier than presenting their ticket on the departures space.

But it says all passports will proceed to be stamped manually till EES is absolutely rolled out in 2026.

Eurotunnel, which runs car shuttles by means of the Channel Tunnel, has put in greater than 100 kiosks at both sides.

A cell phone app has been developed to allow passengers to do a part of the method earlier than reaching the border. However, this would possibly not be broadly used when EES is first launched.

The EES registration might be legitimate for 3 years, with the small print verified on every journey throughout that interval.

Concerns have repeatedly been raised that the time it takes to finish the registration course of might result in massive queues, notably at space-constrained Dover.

The port of Dover beforehand deliberate to present ferry passengers pill units so they may register inside their autos. However, a supply informed the BBC that Dover now plans to additionally use kiosks.

During the preliminary transition interval, the port will have the ability to briefly stand down EES if queues get too lengthy, and revert to guide passport stamping.

Eurostar hope its resolution to restrict EES initially to some enterprise travellers will assist to keep away from any important queues.

The EU can also be introducing a brand new visa waiver system linked to passports referred to as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which can construct on the EES.

Citizens of non-EU nations who do not want a visa to enter the EU – together with folks from the UK – will have the ability to apply on-line for authorisation earlier than they journey.

ETIAS is not attributable to begin till the tip of 2026, however the last date has not but been confirmed.

It will value €20 per software, and might be legitimate for 3 years.

People aged underneath 18 and over 70 might want to apply, however will not must pay.