Estonia, Luxembourg, and Czech Republic Prepare for EES Launch

The rollout of the biometric-based Entry-Exit System (EES) is set to begin this Sunday, October 12, 2023. The EES will affect all non-EU travelers entering the Schengen area, which consists of 25 EU member states along with Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland. The EES-ETIAS Advisory Group confirmed that all EU Member States are technically ready for this significant change, although implementation strategies will vary.

While countries such as Estonia, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic are poised to fully launch the system from day one, others, including the Netherlands, plan a gradual rollout. In Estonia, the EES will be operational at all border crossing points simultaneously. Katre Vahtra, from the Estonian Ministry of the Interior, stated, “This means that in the first few weeks, there may be longer queues than usual at border crossings, but this is a natural part of launching such a major system change.”

Implementation Strategies Vary Across Europe

Countries opting for a phased introduction aim to minimize disruptions. The Dutch government has announced that the EES will first be implemented at smaller border posts. This controlled approach is designed to limit disturbances, with Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport commencing a small-scale launch on November 3, 2023. Full implementation at additional border posts, including maritime crossings, is expected to follow, with checks at the Amsterdam and Rotterdam UK terminals anticipated by early 2026.

As the EES goes live, the EES-ETIAS Advisory Group, overseen by eu-LISA, will provide guidance to member states. The European Commission is responsible for ensuring that travelers are informed about the upcoming changes. Notably, Ireland and Cyprus will maintain manual passport processing, while the UK remains outside the Schengen area.

By April 10, 2026, all participating countries must have fully implemented the EES. During this transition period, travelers may encounter a mix of manual checks alongside the new digital system. At border control, they will undergo various biometric checks, including passport scanning, facial recognition, and fingerprint collection. Data collected will be stored for three years, allowing for simplified re-entry, where only a fingerprint or photograph will be necessary for subsequent visits.

Clarifications and Data Protection

Despite years of planning, misconceptions regarding the EES persist. The UK government has clarified that medical insurance is not mandatory for non-EU travelers using Eurostar services to enter the Schengen area. Visa-exempt travelers, including UK nationals, will continue to enjoy the ability to stay for short periods of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe without needing a visa, a provision that remains unchanged under the EES.

The system will collect biometric data, passport details, and entry/exit timestamps but will not track individuals’ activities or movements within the EU. All information gathered will be governed by EU data protection regulations, which impose strict limits on access, retention, and usage. Importantly, there will be no fees associated with EES registration at borders.

The EES is distinct from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which is set to launch in late 2026 and will require a fee of €20 (approximately $23.20) valid for three years. The primary objective of the EES is to ensure compliance with the 90-day rule for short stays and to prevent overstays within the Schengen Area. Additionally, the system aims to expedite border checks, enhance staff efficiency, prevent irregular migration, and improve overall security across Europe.