Increase in EU tourism: overnight stays up 7% in first quarter

10-06-24

A new entry and exit system, to be implemented by the European Union as of October 6, will track third-country nationals using advanced biometrics. 

The system, called EES, is designed to monitor non-EU citizens who need a visa for short visits and will require compliance with new guidelines. EES consists of an advanced IT solution, capturing and monitoring the movements of non-EU travelers through their fingerprints and digitized travel documents.

In addition, the system will be linked to the European Travel Information and Authorization System, ETIAS, which applies to non-EU citizens. 

It allows the collection and dissemination of data on the admission, departure and refusal of entry of third-country nationals within the Schengen area. Moving away from traditional passport stamps, the new procedure will require biometric data from travelers. This includes fingerprinting, along with the submission of personal data such as name, nationality and passport information.

A facial photograph will also be captured. The system is designed to monitor the movements of these travelers within the EU, alerting authorities to any overstay or unauthorized entry. It also facilitates the tracking of individuals by police and immigration officials, improving overall security and preventing fraud, including identity theft. 

Countries such as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland are included in the zone, while the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus do not participate. The main objective of the system is to strengthen border security and manage migration more effectively.