The European Commission has postponed the debut of its new Entry/Exit System (EES), which was originally scheduled for November 10. This marks the latest in a series of delays for the biometric border control system, with no new launch date announced.
The EES is designed to streamline border crossings by using biometric identification to track the entry and exit of non-European Union nationals into the 27-country Schengen Area, gradually eliminating the need for traditional passport stamps. The system would also monitor visa overstays.
Reports suggest that several major EU countries, responsible for 40% of the system's use, have indicated they are not prepared for its implementation. The EES was first slated for launch in 2022 but has faced multiple postponements, with this being at least the third delay.
The EES is seen as a foundational step toward the future European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which is expected to be rolled out in 2025. ETIAS will require visitors from visa-exempt countries, such as the U.S., to pay a 7-euro fee for travel authorization, which will be valid for up to three years or until the linked passport expires.
As of now, travelers to the Schengen Area will continue using existing border control procedures until the new system is finally introduced.
