Understanding the Facts Behind the Entry/Exit System (EES): Dispelling Common Myths
Thursday, October 10th, 2024
There are changes ahead regarding border control procedures for travellers using Tenerife South Airport and other European airports with the expected introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES). This new digital system, developed by the European Union, aims to modernise the way non-EU citizens’ entry and exit data is recorded. Although its launch has been delayed various times with a new start date yet to be announced, it is likely that the EES will come into force in the not-too-distant future. Over the last few months, several myths and misunderstandings regarding the new system’s function and potential impact have emerged. We have looked at some of these more closely in an effort to debunk the most common misconceptions.
EES: Separating Facts from Fiction
Myth: The EES and ETIAS are the same.
Fact: The EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) are not the same, although they are both part of the EU’s efforts to improve border management for non-EU travellers. The EES (Entry/Exit System) is a digital registration system installed at border control, which will record the entry and exit of non-EU nationals travelling to and from the Schengen Area. The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a travel authorisation system similar to the US ESTA, designed to pre-screen travellers from visa-exempt countries (like the UK, the US and many others) before they enter the EU.
Myth: You will need a visa to travel to Europe after the EES launches.
Fact: The introduction of the EES does not require non-EU citizens to apply for a visa for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) in the Schengen Area. However, once ETIAS has been launched (this is currently thought to be in 2025), visitors from visa-exempt countries like the UK, the US and many others, will need to register prior to travel. ETIAS will require an online application, but it is much simpler and quicker than a visa process and is not classified as a visa.
Myth: The EES will make border crossings much more time-consuming and complex.
Fact: Although there may be some initial delays as travellers and border staff adjust to the new procedures, the EES is designed to speed up border checks in the long run. It will eliminate the need for manual passport stamping by using biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, to streamline the process and allow for smoother, faster border crossings for non-EU travellers.
Myth: You will have to pay extra fees when the EES is introduced.
Fact: The EES itself does not impose any additional fees for border crossings. However, from 2025, when non-EU nationals will need to obtain ETIAS travel authorisation, they will be required to pay a small fee (approximately €7). This authorisation will be valid for multiple entries over a period of three years or until the passport expires. See here for more information about ETIAS.
Myth: The EES will apply to everyone, including EU citizens.
Fact: The EES will only apply to non-EU travellers entering or leaving the Schengen Area for short stays. Citizens of the EU and those holding valid residency permits within the Schengen Zone will not be affected by these changes.
Myth: The EES is being implemented as a punishment for Brexit.
Fact: The EES is not related to Brexit and is not aimed specifically at British travellers. The system was planned before Brexit and is part of the EU’s broader efforts to enhance security and improve border management for all non-EU nationals. While UK travellers are affected because they are now non-EU citizens, the EES applies to all non-EU visitors equally. Meanwhile, the UK is in the process of introducing its own border management system, Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which will apply to EU citizens entering the UK from April 2025.
Myth: You can reset your 90-day stay by briefly leaving the Schengen Area.
Fact: This will not be possible. The EES will digitally log the exact entry and exit dates of non-EU travellers, making it impossible to “reset” the 90-day limit simply by briefly leaving and re-entering the Schengen Area. It will track your stay within a rolling 180-day period, and once you reach your 90-day limit, you must spend time outside the Schengen Zone before being allowed back for another short stay.
Myth: The EES will store extensive personal information about travellers.
Fact: The EES will only store essential travel-related information, such as your biometric data (fingerprints and facial scans), passport details, and entry/exit dates. It is not designed to track personal activities or movements within the EU; rather, its primary aim is to enhance security by ensuring compliance with Schengen travel rules and to prevent overstays.
Final Thoughts
The Entry/Exit System is a forward-looking initiative aimed at making border control in the Schengen Area more efficient and secure. While travellers will notice some changes, the EES is designed to modernise, not complicate, travel, and will not drastically alter the process.