EU finalizes the Official Launch Date of Entry/Exit System

September 18, 2024

The Commission of the EU has finally signaled a confirmation of the official launch date of Entry/Exit System, also known as (EES).

Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home affairs has shared at a speech at eu-LISA that the new entry and exit system would become functional in the month of November

What is the Official Launch Date of Entry/Exit System of EU?

According to Ylva Johansson, the new system for entry and exit in the EU is 10th November, 2024.

Although, many were speculating that the launch date would be the 10th of November, this is for the first time that the European Union has officially confirmed the date of its implementation.

After sharing the confirmation of the launch date of the EES, the commissioner has shared that relevant authorities are doing final tests of the system.

What is EES? How will it be used for Foreign Travellers Entering EU?

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) is a unique and automated system based on cutting-edge IT technologies. It will be used to seamlessly register any foreign traveler who enters into the region of the EU. This applies to travellers who have visa to enjoy short stays as well as visa exempt visitors.

So, every time a traveler crosses an external border of the EU, they need to go through the registration process. This includes registering the name of the traveler, the type of travel documentation that the traveler has, place and the date of entry and exit from the EU. The registration process also includes collection of biometric data like fingerprints and facial images.

For example, if you got a Portugal visa after completing the Portugal visa appointment process and use it to enter Portugal and exit it after your trip, then you will need to undergo the registration process during entry and exit.

By launching this system, the EU will be phasing out the manual passport stamping that is currently being used for registering the travelers.

Note – The new Entry/Exit system will also record any refusal of entry.

Why is the Entry/Exit system (EES) being launched by the EU?

The main goal of the new Entry and Exit System launched by the EU is to ensure that the border management practices are modernized. It will help to prevent migration of people illegally into the EU bloc.

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Apart from this, it will also assist in protect the citizens of Europe. Another thing that this system is going to simplify is the identification of over-stayers and those people who attempt to go to the EU using documents that are forged.

The good news is that, you will not be required to do this every single time you enter and exit the EU. Your data will be safely stored in the database for three years. Which means, if you are frequently visiting the EU, then you just need to undergo the registration process once, every three years.

So, whether you are going to the EU visa-free or planning to apply Schengen visa to go to see various countries in the Europe, make sure to stay updated about the latest Entry/Exit System and adhere to it when it gets launched.

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