The Schengen area Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to start a six-month “progressive” introduction from October, EU Home Affairs Ministers agreed on 5 March.
It will apply to all third-country nationals, including those from the UK, travelling into and out of Schengen countries for short visits. The specific date of commencement will be agreed once all states declare readiness.
Impact of EES on coach traffic leaving the UK from the Port of Dover has long been a source of concern to the industry. Worries have been aired of extended waiting times at the French frontier under the scheme, which will require submission of biometric data.
A European Commission proposed law around the Entry/Exit System will permit Schengen states to begin the system progressively during the six-month transition period from October until full launch. Those nations may introduce it in full on day one, however.
Under that proposed law, countries can begin with a minimum registration of 10% of estimated border crossings via EES, reaching 100% by the end of the period.
EES was most recently intended to debut on 10 November 2024 but was subject to late postponement after some states could not achieve readiness by then. Subsequently, the progressive approach was agreed after identification of risks to secure and smooth travel via a ‘big bang’ go-live.
The proposed law around the staged introduction notes how in exceptional circumstances, states can suspend EES either partially or in full during the progressive period. Such a mechanism will also be retained for “a limited period” after the full start.
Postponement from November 2024 step drew negative comment from some in the UK coach industry, who pointed out that introduction at a typically quiet time of year for cross-channel travel would have been beneficial.
The Port of Dover has made significant preparation for EES. The gateway told routeone in November 2024 that it is “structurally ready” for the system but noted how – even approaching the 10 November date – the necessary technology was nowhere to be seen.
In announcing the planned October start, nothing is said by the EU about the promised app that will enable travellers to submit some data before arriving at the frontier. Dover noted a belief in late 2024 that the app was not “top of the to-do list.”
The EU says that EES will “gradually simplify border controls and prevent identity fraud.” Adopting a six-month rollout period will “give border authorities and the transport industry more time to adjust to the new procedures,” it adds.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, is now expected to be introduced in Q4 2026. It will be an automated system and be required of non-EU, visa-free nationals.
