Brussels: The European Union has embarked on a landmark shift in border management with the gradual rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) at its external borders. The new digital platform is designed to electronically register non-EU nationals, replacing traditional passport stamping with a fully automated biometric process. EU authorities say the system will enhance security, prevent illegal migration, and combat identity fraud, forming the backbone of the bloc’s updated migration and asylum framework.
Under the EES, travelers from non-EU countries will provide fingerprints, facial images, and passport information during their first entry into the Schengen Area, which includes most EU countries except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. On subsequent trips, only facial recognition checks will be required, streamlining entry procedures while maintaining stringent verification standards.
The rollout is planned over six months, with the system expected to be fully operational by April 10, 2026. Initial experiences at key crossings, such as the Bajakovo border between Serbia and Croatia, indicate manageable wait times. Travelers queued for approximately 20 minutes before providing biometric data, with processing taking only a few minutes per person, highlighting the efficiency of the new system.
In the United Kingdom, the EES is being introduced at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel terminals, and London’s St Pancras for freight and coach traffic, with passenger vehicle and Eurostar traveler checks to follow in the coming months. UK officials emphasized cooperation with the EU to secure borders while facilitating legitimate travel, reflecting a shared commitment to modernized, secure migration management.
Officials underscore that the EES represents more than just technology; it is a strategic response to increasing political pressures on migration management. Once fully implemented, it is expected to provide both travelers and authorities with a more secure, efficient, and streamlined border experience, marking a new era in European border security.