UPDATE 11/10/2024 

The European Commission has announced that the EES deadline, previously the 10th of November 2024, has been postponed. The new deadline is yet to be confirmed. We will keep you updated as soon as we know more.

Expected to come into effect from the 10th of November 2024, individuals travelling to the EU may need to provide further information at the ports.

The new EU Entry/Exit system (EES) will bring additional hurdles for non-EU nationals looking to travel (for business or personal reasons) to the EU.

Here’s what you need to know. 

1. An automated IT system for (some) non-EU nationals

Every time non-EU nationals enter into the EU - on a short stay visa or for less than 90 days in a 180 day period - they will be required to register via the EES. 

That being said, exemptions may still apply. For example, any non-EU national who is immediately related to an EU national and also owns a residence card may forgo the new systems.

Learn more about EES exemptions

The automated system is expected to replace the stamping of passports at ports, therefore saving travellers and border officials time. Passengers travelling with fake identities and terror threats are also said to be detected more easily under the new system.

If entry is refused, this will then be recorded in the EES. 

2. Sharing your personal data

Countries using the EES will require the following information from travellers:

• Travel document information
• Place of entry and exit 
• Date of entry and exit

Also required of travellers is “biometric data”. This includes both fingerprint scans and facial imaging.

3. Refusal to give personal data

Non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay will be denied entry to EU countries using the EES if they do not provide the required information.

This could have huge consequences, especially for freight drivers, and could result in a loss of income for businesses.

4. How will the EES work?

The EES will be operated by the French authorities in the UK from the Eurostar and Eurotunnel terminals, and from the Port of Dover. 

According to the UK Parliament House of Commons Library:

“Operators of services at these points have expressed concerns about the impact of EES, and its potential to increase delays at border checkpoints... The logistics of operating EES for travellers passing through the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone are seen as particularly challenging. The UK Government has said it is engaging with local operators and the French authorities to minimise impact on border flows and traffic build-up when EES is implemented.”

Find out more about the EES

As the logistics industry prepares for these new regulations, we will keep you updated with any changes that may be announced in the meantime.

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