EU Entry/Exit System November 2024

Countdown to the EU Entry/Exit System

Ylva Johansson, the EU Home Affairs Commissioner, recently spoke to the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice (eu-LISA). Over the past six years, this agency has been developing the Entry/Exit System (EES), building on a legal framework established four years prior.

Johansson announced, “Following extensive discussions with Member States, stakeholders, and you, I have decided that the Entry/Exit System will become operational on November 10th.”

What does this mean for travelers heading to Europe? Biometric data will be collected, including fingerprint scans and photographs, to be verified at each entry and exit point.

Instead of speeding up travel, this process is anticipated to cause delays. Analysts suggest that waiting times could double.

Additionally, prepare for the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in spring 2024. This system requires travelers to pay a €7 visa waiver fee before entering the EU, similar to the U.S. ESTA.

Experts predict that these new procedures will increase processing times. With adjustments required for both staff and travelers, smooth border crossings may primarily be limited to European citizens and residents.

Will the EES impact you?

How European Residency and Citizenship by Investment Can Simplify EES and ETIAS

By obtaining residency or citizenship in Europe through investment programs, you can bypass the EES and ETIAS requirements. To learn which program is tailored to meet your family’s needs, consult a knowledgeable RCBI consultancy like RIF Trust. Contact us today to discover how investing in European residency or citizenship could benefit you.