EU to Introduce New Biometric System for Non-EU Travellers Starting 2024

Starting in early 2024, the European Union will likely put a new biometric registration system in place for non-EU visitors. The Entry/Exit System (EES) will introduce a streamlined process using self-service kiosks for visitors from visa-exempt nations. This will include providing fingerprints and other aspects in addition to passport scanning.

So, if you are planning a Europe trip next year, be ready for the new process. All non-EU travellers will be required to register their biometric information at the border. This new regulation covers tourists from the United Kingdom and the United States as well.

The EES is scheduled to be effective by early 2024. It promises to improve security and simplify the immigration process for visitors from outside the EU.

Besides, the gathering of biometric information of non-EU travellers has long been planned together with the EU's new ETIAS visa scheme.

What is EES?

The EES is one component of the EU's ETIAS visa program for visitors from outside the EU. Under the scheme, tourists coming from non-EU visa-exempt nations need electronic travel authorization. And, for a secure implementation of this scheme and stronger border control measures, collecting biometric data was deemed necessary.

Here, the EES will serve that purpose by using an automated biometric registration system, revolutionizing border control. Travellers will use self-service kiosks upon arrival for biometric registration that includes photos and fingerprints.

The system will securely store the collected biometric information and verify it against the traveller’s passport data. The core aim of implementing this streamlined entry process is to speed up entry procedures while enhancing security measures.

How EES will Impact Travellers?

The EES requirements will impact travellers coming to the EU from all non-EU nations including American and British tourists. Besides, it will also cover travellers from Canada, Australia, and Japan among other non-EU nations. Tourists visiting Italy, France, Spain, and other EU members will be subject to the new requirements.

The EES implementation will likely promote overall border control efficiency and a safer environment for both tourists and EU residents. However, the starting phase of EES implementation may cause disrupt travel plans at first.

Privacy and Data Retention

The European Union has addressed worries over gathering and storing biometric data. The law states that the biometric data gathered at the border will be kept for three years following one’s last EU visit.

As a part of complying with privacy regulations, the data will be permanently deleted after this timeframe. This period of data retention is deemed crucial for any potential security or investigation needs that may arise.

Conclusion

EES implementation is a significant step towards the EU's attempts to bolster border security and make border control measures more efficient.

Although travellers may experience some inconveniences, to begin with, the long-term benefits of EES are obvious. It will simplify entering and exiting the Schengen area while contributing to a safer and more secure EU.

EU to Introduce New Biometric System for Non-EU Travellers Starting 2024