European digital travel initiative commencing in Portugal
The European Commission has announced the start of the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border control system designed to replace the current passport stamp system. This new system aims to modernise and improve the management of the EU's external borders, starting on October 12, 2022.
The EES is an automated computer system for registering third-country nationals travelling for short stays. It will collect biometric data, including fingerprints, facial images, and travel information, to provide reliable data on border crossings and systematically detect overstays and cases of document and identity fraud.
The EES is expected to contribute significantly to preventing irregular migration and protecting the security of European citizens. By providing a more efficient and secure border control system, it will help ensure that only legitimate travellers enter the EU.
The phased rollout of the EES allows EU Member States to begin benefiting from the new system while ensuring adaptation for border authorities, the transport sector, and affected travellers. The system will be gradually introduced at all external border crossing points of the member states using the system, with Luxembourg Airport scheduled to start implementing the system from October 2025.
The EES is set to be fully operational at all relevant border crossing points across the EU following this phased rollout, beginning in October 2025. By April 2026, the EES will be fully operational at all border crossing points.
The European Commission, in conjunction with the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems, will continue to monitor the EES's implementation in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.
The Commission expects travel to become simpler and safer with the increased use of automated border controls through the EES. The system is intended to modernise and improve the management of the EU's external borders, making them more secure and efficient for both travellers and border authorities.
The EES covers 29 European countries, including those in the EU and associated with Schengen, the European area of free movement. It is designed to strengthen border management by improving control over the length of stays and helping detect overstayers.
It is worth noting that the EES meets the highest standards of data protection and privacy, ensuring travellers' personal data remains protected and secure. The Commission is committed to safeguarding the privacy rights of all travellers while implementing the EES.
In conclusion, the Entry/Exit System (EES) represents a significant step forward in the modernisation and improvement of the EU's external border management. With its implementation, the EU aims to provide a more secure and efficient border control system, contributing to the prevention of irregular migration and the protection of European citizens.
Travelers entering Portugal, a member of the EES covering 29 European countries, may expect a modernized and improved border control system starting from October 12, 2022. This shift in lifestyle, facilitated by the EES, aims to make travel safer and more secure, while strengthening border management by controlling the length of stays and detecting overstayers.
