Changes at the border

Stamps in passports will soon be a thing of the past. The EU is introducing a new digital system that will automatically register all travellers and keep track of their length of stay. Visa-free travellers will also have to register before arrival. What does this mean for non EU nationals (third country nationals)?

What is the EES?

Since 2008, the EU has wanted to better register the entry and exit of people from outside the EU. This will be done with the Electronic Entry and Exit System (EES), which will automatically register all travellers and keep track of their length of stay. This will eliminate the need to stamp passports at the border.

The EES is mainly intended for travellers from outside the EU who want to stay in the EU for less than 90 days. Although the rules were established in 2017, the system is not yet operational. The most recent start date was 10 November 2024, but this has been postponed again due to technical problems. It is not yet known when the EES will finally come into effect.

What is ETIAS?

In addition to the EES, there will also be ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). This system is similar to the ESTA for the US. ETIAS will be mandatory for travelers from countries that can now travel freely to the EU. Before you come to Europe, you will have to apply for an electronic authorization, even if you do not need a visa. The launch of ETIAS is planned for mid-2025.

What does this mean for you?

Once the EES is in force, your information will be registered every time you enter or leave the EU. If you have stayed in the Schengen area for too long, this will be reported automatically. This will make it easier to notice if you overstay. Overstaying can lead to an entry ban of 1 or 2 years, and have other legal consequences. That is why it is important to keep a close eye on how many days you are still allowed to stay in the Schengen area, especially if you travel frequently.

With the introduction of ETIAS, you should take into account that you will have to obtain prior permission to enter the EU.

What now?

Postponing the arrival of the EES and ETIAS gives you the opportunity to prepare yourself. Be aware of your rights and obligations as a traveller and keep an eye on the updates on these systems. Do you have questions or would you like advice on your specific situation? Feel free to contact us!