Policy & Compliance
“ The Commission is now considering a phased approach... not a big bang of all border crossing points at the same time
There was considerable speculation during early October that the previously announced EES implementation dates of 10 and 17 November were not achievable, particularly when France, Germany and the Netherlands all announced that their systems would not be ready EU postpones launch of its Entry/Exit System
approach, step by step.” As well as delaying the launch of EES, it seems the EU has watered down some of the checks, with the most recent communication stating that passengers will need to provide a facial scan or a fingerprint, whereas previously it was understood both would be required. Likely new dates The latest delay means many travellers will probably now undergo EES registration in the summer of 2025. This will be in tandem with the need to register for the EU’s ETIAS visa waiver scheme, which the EU says will be introduced “in the first half of 2025”. ETIAS will require visitors from 60 visa-free countries, including the UK, to obtain a new electronic travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries. The fee for ETIAS will be €7 for those aged 18 to 70 and it will be valid for three years.
A s previously advised to comprehensive reform to modernise checks at the EU’s external borders and promote information sharing, by forming a registry for short-stay travellers. On 10 October, an announcement came from the European Commission confirming that it had decided to delay the introduction of the Entry/Exit System. Members, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a
In a meeting of EU interior ministers, Ylva Johansson, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, said the commission does not yet have a new timeline for the start of EES, but that it is now considering “a phased approach, not a big bang of all border crossing points at the same time. “It’s clear that we’re not going to be ready for the 10 November,” Johansson advised adding: “We will be going for a phased
November 2024 | 19
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