EU Announces New Rules for International Passengers: What You Need to Know
The upcoming new EU rules mean passengers from outside the bloc will have to pass through the automated Entry and Exit System.
What is the Entry and Exit System (EES)?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is planned to come into force in autumn 2024 and Brits need to be aware of the changes. The biometric EES checks have been created to record the details of all third-country nationals entering and leaving the European Union, although non-EU residents living in the EU or Schengen countries and those traveling on visas are exempt.
How Does the EES Work?
For anyone arriving by aeroplane, as well as flight and baggage information, the checks will contain biometric information such as fingerprints, facial photographs, and passport details from the RFID chips included in the document. It has largely been designed to provide a better picture of those travelers overstaying the Schengen area’s 90-day rule. But it is expected to help in combating terrorist activity and organized crime as it can flag individuals with criminal or terrorist convictions and alert the authorities.
Changes in Passport Control
The current use of a rubber stamp in your passport will be replaced by an automatic scan. Only the EU countries Ireland and Cyprus won’t apply the EES but their citizens will be exempt. Switzerland and Norway are among the 29 countries who will be part of the EES system.
Impact on Airline Passengers
Airline passengers already have to provide a certain amount of information before they fly, which is known as Advanced Passenger Information (API) – this includes things like name, date of birth, and passport number. Airlines are responsible to ensure ineligible passengers cannot board the plane, such as those who do not have a valid passport.
Concerns and Considerations
There is concern about the system for people who are exempt from EES registration – such as people who have a residence permit or long-stay visa for an EU country. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said these groups will have to indicate on their Advance Passenger Information that they are exempt, and then have their visa or residency card checked at the boarding gate, which could add significant time to boarding.
Increasing Complexity
The alarm has been raised by IATA about the reliability of the system, as well as the time needed to get advance verification. The deadline – which has been reported as being up to 48 hours before take-off “is too long” and “will preclude late ticket sales,” according to a document filed by Ryanair Holdings plc, the parent company of Ryanair, Buzz, Lauda, and Malta Air, to the UK’s House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee.
Stay informed and prepared for the changes ahead to ensure a smooth travel experience in the future.