EU Confirms November 2024 Launch Date for New Entry/Exit System

The European Commission has officially confirmed the launch date for the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES), set to begin operations on November 10, 2024.

This confirmation was delivered by Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, during a speech at eu-LISA, marking the first time the EU has formally announced the exact implementation date of the EES.

"After intense dialogues with Member States, with you, with the different stakeholders – I have decided that the Entry/Exit System will enter into operations on the 10th of November.

Different steps are legally required before the Commission could take the formal decision, but I am proud to reveal today that the 10th of November is the target day," Commissioner Johansson stated.

Alongside the official confirmation of the EES launch date, Commissioner Johansson also revealed that the system is currently in its final testing phase. She emphasized the significant impact the EES will have once it becomes operational, noting that it will affect 700 million people traveling to Europe each year. Additionally, she highlighted the enhanced security the system will provide for European citizens.

"700 million people will be affected by your work. Because last year more than 700 million tourists travelled to Europe. And 450 million Europeans will sleep safer thanks to your work," Commissioner Johansson added, expressing her gratitude for eu-LISA's efforts over the past decade. She affirmed that the mission has been successfully completed.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is designed as an automated IT system that will register foreign travelers entering the EU for short stays, regardless of their visa status. This system will replace the current manual passport stamping process, recording the traveler’s name, type of travel document, biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images, and the date and location of entry and exit from the EU. It will also log entry refusals.

The EES aims to modernize border management, prevent irregular migration, and protect European citizens. It will also help identify overstayers and those attempting to enter the EU with forged documents. Upon the launch of the EES, all foreign travelers will be required to register in the system. Their data will be stored in a secure database for three years, eliminating the need to undergo the registration process every time they enter or leave the bloc.

By fLEXI tEAM