What the EU’s Entry/Exit System Will Mean for Travelers to Europe

The European Union (EU) is set to introduce a new digital border control system, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), in October. This system will change the way hundreds of millions of people enter the EU every year. The EES will replace the current manual stamping of passports, automating the process of recording the arrival and departure of non-EU citizens. Travelers will be required to submit biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, upon entry and exit. The new system aims to enhance security, improve the management of borders, and better track the movements of non-EU citizens within the Schengen area. It is expected to reduce waiting times at border crossings and provide more accurate data on overstaying visitors. The implementation of the EES may result in some additional steps for travelers, but it is intended to streamline the border control process and ensure the continued security and integrity of the EU's external borders.