EU's Planned Biometric Border Checks Facing Further Delay
Spain News
Published: 20 April 2023 16:52 CET
The implementation of the new biometric border control system, also known as the Entry and Exit System (EES), in European countries, has been delayed once again.
The EES is set to revamp the way border controls work across all 27 EU countries as well as in the Schengen area. While the necessary documentation required to visit these countries remains the same, the EES will introduce a new method of border control, involving biometric data such as fingerprint and facial scanning via electronic gates.
The EES system has been in development since before the Brexit referendum in 2016 and was originally scheduled to begin in November 2023, but has now been postponed until at least May 2024. There is also a chance that the date will be pushed back even further, potentially until after the Paris Olympics in August of that year. The UK's Independent newspaper reports that the primary reason for the delay is the unavailability of the database needed to run the EES.
A formal announcement regarding the revised implementation date is expected in June. It is probable that any further delay will be scheduled during a time when travel is less frequent, in order to minimise the impact on travellers.
The new system aims to address the issue of overstaying by non-visa holders, which is currently difficult to track under the traditional passport checks and stamps system. By automatically logging the time and date of entry into the European area, the EES will provide better tracking and enforcement of the 90-day limit for non-visa holders.
The new system will apply to over 50 countries, including the US and the UK, which do not require visas for holiday travel. However, country-to-country travel within Europe and foreign nationals with visas or permanent permission to stay in the EU will not be affected. Some EU countries have expressed concern that the new system will take longer to process visitors, and have requested thorough testing before it becomes operational.
While airports currently use biometric scanners to check passports, they only scan the photos and validity of the passport. The EES will introduce a more sophisticated method of biometric scanning that aims to provide better control and monitoring of non-visa holders entering and leaving EU countries.
Sources
https://www.thelocal.es/20230419/eus-biometric-border-checks-to-be-delayed-again
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexledsom/2023/04/19/europe-travel-new-border-checks-delayed-until-2024-after-paris-olympics/?sh=7e7ceb71602c
https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/eu-entry-visa-brexit-etias-b2321561.html
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