How customers travel to and from Europe is changing this year, with the introduction of the EU’s Entry Exit System (EES).

Abta still waiting for an exact date when the new system will start. While there has been speculation in the media about possible launch dates being in October or November, the Commission has remained firm in its line that a date has yet to be agreed. We know from the conversations with the Commission, and UK government departments, that the intention remains to go live in Autumn 2024.

The EES is a new electronic system that will track when travellers enter and leave 29 European countries. It applies to third-country nationals, and is designed to replace ‘wet stamping’ of passports, as well as to monitor that people who are travelling to the Schengen Area without a visa are sticking to the 90 in 180 day rule.

So, what does it mean for travellers?

Well, it will bring an end to the physical stamping of passports at the border. Travellers will be required to register within the scheme, which will involve having their passport details and biometrics recorded – including finger prints and facial scans. Movements into and out of the EES area will then be tracked electronically.

It applies to all travellers from a third country visiting for a short stay (no more than 90 days within a 180 day period), so that means all UK citizens. Children under 12 will need to be registered under EES but will just have their photograph taken rather than needing to provide fingerprints as well.

The only people who are exempt are those who are citizens of the EU or Schengen area, have resident status in one of these countries, or those who have a visa to stay for a longer period. Their passports will be processed as normal, without the need for biometrics to be taken.

It also worth noting that if travelling to Cyprus and Ireland, EES will not be implemented, so manual passport stamping will continue.

And how can industry support their customers?

While there is nothing that customers can do in advance of these checks, it is important that you tell your customers that these changes are coming, so they know what to expect.

The European Commission will be providing communication materials, as will the UK government, and we at Abta will be doing the bit too. Do look out for further updates from Abta on this topic, once more details on implementation are available, in the meantime you might find the webpage for consumers helpful – abta.com/eesandetias.

Customers also need to know that if they’re travelling from the UK where there is a juxtaposed border, so Dover, Folkstone or St Pancras, their EES check will happen at the French border in the UK. This will mean that when they arrive in their destination they won’t need to do the check again until their departure.

Initially, the processing of passports through the new EES is expected to take longer, given that each person needs to provide their fingerprints and facial scan, which could lead to queues and delays. So this is an important thing to mention to your customers, particularly if they have any accessibility needs or challenges.

It is difficult to say right now what any delays might look like, it is likely to vary from place to place – depending on their set up, and also the number of people being processed under EES.

During the first six months, the border officials will have some flexibility to manage the flow of people if significant queues start to build, but that will be up to each country to decide how to adapt should it be necessary.

There are, of course, various nuances and specifics circumstances, and have more details on some of these in the Abta MemberZone.

Abta continues to be in close contact with the UK government departments who are leading on this on the UK side, and  also liaising with the relevant departments in the European Commission, and destination governments. So you can expect to hear a lot more from Abta on this topic as get closer to the launch.