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- Entry/Exit System
The new Entry/Exit System, or EES, is launching in late 2024. It is designed to better track entry and exit data to ensure with compliance on visa and visa-free travel rules. In time, it will replace the need to manually stamp passports on entry or exit from the EU and Schengen Area.
Upon arrival at an EU or Schengen Area border post, including “juxtaposed controls” at, for example, the Port of Dover and St. Pancras International, you will no longer be required to present your passport to a member of border control staff.
Instead, you will be directed to a self-service terminal, and asked to supply the following information:
- Your passport details – recorded digitally from biometric passport data
- a picture – taken automatically by the terminal’s camera
- fingerprints – taken as instructed by the terminal
- Details of your visit – including number of days and how you expect to pay for your visit
The process is quick and easy, but will require completion every time you enter the EU or Schengen Area. The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are currently exempt from the rollout of EES.
At the Port of Dover extra members of border staff, equipped with mobile terminals, will be on hand to efficiently complete EES requirements. In time, both Dover and St Pancras International expect to expand their border processing areas to better facilitate EES.
Summary
Be prepared when travelling to the EU and Schengen Area from 2024:
- EES is designed to replace passport stamps from its rollout
- Ireland and Cyprus are exempt from EES rollout – Ireland will remain so
- EES can be quicker than manual passport checks
- Plans are in place to mitigate expected delays, including expansions to Dover and St Pancras
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