Implementation of the European Entry-Exit System (EES)

The European Entry-Exit System (EES) is the cornerstone of the new digital border management system recently adopted by Europe to manage entry and exit more efficiently, prevent overstays, and strengthen the EU’s external borders.

However, the complexities of modern technology and the varying capabilities of member states in operating the system have prompted the EU to review its implementation timelines and strategies.

In the months following this decision, the Commission received mixed responses from Member States regarding their readiness and ability to operate the project in a unified and synchronized manner. This was based on factors such as delays in infrastructure projects, staff training, and technical integration with national systems.

In addition, the Commission took into account the views of the EU technical agency, eu-LISA, which stated that the simultaneous operation of the system could lead to disruptions and congestion at European airports. Accordingly, the European Commission made this decision as a compromise between the necessity of operating the system and avoiding operational disruptions.

Earlier in 2017, the European Commission had requested all Member States to implement the decision fully and synchronously. However, after careful consideration and consultations, it decided to implement the system gradually and at different times to avoid risks and stress on the flexibility of technological processes. Therefore, it was necessary to establish specific rules to ensure a smooth and gradual implementation.

European Entry-Exit System (EES) implementation details

The European Border and Coast Guard Council approved the implementation of the new digital European Entry-Exit System (EES), which will be implemented gradually (over a period of six months). The European Entry-Exit System (EES) will improve the monitoring of persons intending to enter an EU Member State by examining certain visitor records and biometric data.

More specifically, the system will digitally store traveler details by recording entry and exit procedures, passport data, fingerprints, and photos of travelers intending to travel to a Member State for a short period.

The system has been given the green light to begin implementing it immediately for interested countries and will be gradually implemented over 180 days. All EU countries will be required to complete registration, including biometric data, within the specified six-month period.

Travel document stamping will continue as usual until the end of the transition period. In addition, any Member State may partially or fully operate the system at certain border crossings under exceptional circumstances, such as heavy traffic resulting in long waiting times.

Integrating ETIAS with the European Entry-Exit System (EES)

According to the European Agency for the Management of European IT Infrastructure (eu-LISA), the European Entry-Exit System (EES) will begin operating in October 2025 using the revised Eurodac system, an EU biometric database that helps identify asylum seekers.

The final step is the launch of the European Travel and Authorization System (ETAS), specifically in the last quarter of 2026. It should be noted that the ETIAS permit is a permission permit, not a European visa, that allows you to stay in any of the 30 Schengen countries for 90 days within any 180-day period.

Immigrate Minister talk on European Entry-Exit System (EES)

Cary David, EU Minister for Immigration, commented on the updates to the EES, saying: “Protecting our external borders is crucial for the EU. The new EES will help ensure that travelers from outside the EU to Europe comply with our rules.”

He added: “This system will strengthen the security of our borders and improve the efficiency of border inspections. Relevant authorities, from European border guards to law enforcement, will have access to data that enables verification of the identity of third-country nationals, as well as information on their compliance with the permitted period of stay in the Schengen Area. As a result, the European Entry-Exit System (EES) will significantly reduce the likelihood of identity theft and overstay.”

What’s next? And what is second citizenship holders’ impact?

The system will enter into force three days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The European Entry-Exit System (EES) will be gradually implemented on a date to be determined by the European Commission, expected to be between September and October.

This means that holders of citizenship by investment programs, who are able to enter all Schengen countries without a visa, such as holders of Caribbean citizenship programs, will need to be aware of these new policies and prepare for them to reduce waiting times or refusal of entry.

For more information about second citizenship programs, read our articles on citizenship via investment programs, written by a certified agent and expert in the investment immigration market.