
12-10-2022
The Entry-Exit System (EES) will have a substantial influence on border control in the Schengen Area. EES and ETIAS are “the most impactful electronic travel systems to be deployed worldwide,” according to eu-Lisa.
But what is the distinction between EES and ETIAS, and what does it imply for travellers?
Both EES and ETIAS will help to secure the Schengen borders. EES and ETIAS will upgrade border control procedures and increase the safety of European destinations.
EES will be operational in May 2023, followed by ETIAS in November 2023. Continue reading to learn more about the Entry-Exit System, how it varies from ETIAS, and how it will effect future European travel.
WHAT IS THE EES?
The EU is putting in place the Entry-Exit System (EES). The system will track the entry, exit, and refusal of third-country persons crossing the external Schengen borders into Europe.
The EES will assist other border control systems in handling and recording data on visitors to and from EU Schengen countries. It will apply to non-EU nationals who visit for a short period of time. A 90-day stay within a 180-day span is considered a short stay.
The EES, in conjunction with other European border schemes such as the ETIAS and the Visa Information System (VIS), will strengthen and speed up border control operations while also allowing for greater identification of stolen identities and any nationals who overstay their authorised period.
WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF EUROPE’S EES?
The overarching goal of the European Entry/Exit System is to modernise border administration. EES will do this by:
- Smarter border—automation of checks and controls on visitors
- Centralised registration—movement across Schengen borders
The EES will boost security and help prevent severe crime by making border crossings more efficient and effective. It will also aid in the reduction of overstaying in the Schengen Area.
WHAT DATA WILL THE ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM GATHER?
The EES will gather the following information in order to meet its security goals:
- Full names
- Passport number
- 4 x fingerprint
- Photograph
Access to this information will be restricted to Europol and border and visa officials.
Investigating authorities will also have access to data on border crossings and travel histories.
THE ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM AND BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY
Border security will be improved by the deployment of biometric technologies. At the initial check, four fingerprints will be captured and cross-checked against data previously stored in the EES or VIS.
If the traveller does not already have a file, one will be generated for him or her. The passport photos will be compared to a live face image. The traveller will be able to cross a border using their face the next time.
This is more efficient and secure than passport stamping. Stamping passports takes time and is subject to forgery. Identity fraud will be decreased thanks to the new eGates and self-service kiosks.
HOW DOES THE EES DIFFER FROM THE ETIAS FOR EUROPE?
The EES will replace manual passport stamping by recording the entry and exit of all third-country nationals travelling across Europe. This will make border crossing control easier for border guards and speed up entrance for non-EU people, who will be able to use self-service kiosks similar to those already accessible to EU citizens at Schengen entry points.
A travel authorization is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver for Europe. It only applies to third-country people travelling to Europe without a visa. It is expected to be completely operational in November 2023.
ETIAS is comparable to the US ESTA and will allow Europe to keep a tighter grip on who travels to the EU and requests entrance. It is a visa waiver scheme for Europe that will allow qualified persons to receive the necessary European travel documents by completing a simple online form.
ETIAS AND THE EES GATHER DIFFERENT INFORMATION
Another distinction between the EES and ETIAS for Europe is the information gathered during each step.
When applying for an ETIAS before travelling to Europe, the traveller must fill out an online ETIAS application form that demands personal information, contact information, passport information, and some basic security questions.
The EES, on the other hand, collects biometric data from each visitor upon entry and leave from the European Union, including face images and fingerprints.
ETIAS BEFORE TRAVEL, EES ON ARRIVAL AND EXIT
Finally, because it is a pre-travel requirement, the ETIAS will allow the EU to screen travellers against several security databases, including the ETIAS Watchlist, Europol, and Interpol, to discover potential threats before they arrive in Europe. Only risk-free travellers will be given ETIAS.
In contrast, the EES will collect data when a third-country national enters or exits the Schengen region. EES verifies that a traveller with a short-stay visa (single or double) has not exceeded the number of permissible entries.
ETIAS AND EES ARE QUERIED BEFORE BOARDING TRANSPORT
One commonality between the two systems is that before permitting a passenger to board, airlines will query both ETIAS and EES. Passengers may only board airlines, sea carriers, and buses if they have received approval to travel via the carrier interface.
Carriers will be responsible for verifying that their passengers have a valid visa or travel authorization.
WHEN WILL THE EU ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM START?
The Entry-Exit System will be operational in May 2023. The system is being created by eu-Lisa, Europe’s organisation in charge of large-scale IT systems in the areas of freedom, security, and justice.
An EES-ETIAS advisory committee meets on a regular basis to give knowledge on the EES and ETIAS to the eu-LISA. The committee is led by the eu-LISA and is made up of national project managers.
The EES, like the ETIAS, has been postponed. The system was supposed to be operational in 2022.
MEMBER STATES ARE INSTALLING EES TECHNOLOGIES AT BORDERS
In preparation for the new system, member states are renovating border crossing stations.
Thales, a French aerospace corporation, has been chosen by the Spanish and French governments to deliver EES software. Fingerprint scanners and facial recognition technology will be included. The EU’s Internal Security Fund is funding it.
Other EU countries are also focusing on implementing document verification and biometric technology at border crossings.
Manual passport stamping will continue until the EES is implemented.