Schengen Border Checks Postponed to November

The EU's Entry-Exit System (EES) launch has been delayed once more, as reported by The Independent.

The UK newspaper reported that the new Schengen border checks will now start on November 10, with a possibility of postponing to November 17.

Originally set to launch in 2021, the EES has faced multiple delays due to various issues and was set to launch on October 6 of this year.

Despite this, the European Commission has not confirmed an official launch date, maintaining that the EES will be implemented this autumn.

EES will take the form of an automated IT system, which will register travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries using biometric checks when they cross external EU borders.

When the system is finally in place, non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area will encounter new border controls. While some anticipate chaos upon its launch, others believe that the delays will provide countries ample time to prepare for the change.

EES will be the first step of new border rules. It will be followed by the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is expected to begin around six months after EES launches.

EES Mobile App

To help reduce expected delays, a new app will be released that lets travellers enter some required information before their trip. This app will allow users to pre-register their data so that most travel procedures can be completed online.

However, to ensure the app works well, it needs to be tested by many users and in multiple languages. Currently, there is no clear update on whether the EES app will be ready by the system’s launch.

What Will EES Mean for Your European Travel?

The upcoming introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) will change how travellers enter and exit Europe.

Here’s what you need to know about how it will impact your journey:

Airports – When EES launches, you can expect longer waits at the border when traveling to the EU or Schengen Area by air. Third-country travellers will undergo biometric checks upon arrival. While EES is designed to save time in the long run by replacing manual passport stamping, initial implementation may result in longer border queues.

Eurostar – French border checks at St Pancras will incorporate EES, affecting waiting times. Eurostar’s models predict that registering data at EES kiosks will take about 90 seconds per person. Once registered, passengers will move through the usual processes: ticket gates, security checks, and UK Home Office exit checks before reaching French border control.

On their first journey using EES, passengers must visit a border control officer instead of using e-gates to complete their registration.

Dover and Eurotunnel – Dover is bracing for potential delays of up to 14 hours when EES checks begin, with traffic possibly worse than the 23-mile tailbacks seen in 2022.

The Port of Dover plans to use reclaimed land in its western docks, originally for cargo, to hold ferry passengers during EES processing.

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