EU to launch entry/exit system in October

Dhaka: The European Union has confirmed that its long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) will officially go live on 12 October. 

The digital system, aimed at monitoring non-EU nationals crossing external borders, marks a significant shift in how Europe manages travel and security.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, called the rollout “a step closer to making the EU the most advanced travel destination in the world.”

She added that the EU is “creating a secure, efficient, and travel-friendly framework” by working closely with Member States and the transport sector—one that showcases Europe’s dual commitment to security and technological innovation.

The new system requires Europe's border crossings to have dedicated infrastructure installed. The UK government has reportedly provided Eurostar, Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover with £3.5 million (€4.1 million) each to spend on registration kiosks.

From 12 October onwards, EU Member States will start introducing the EES gradually over a period of six months, the European Commission has said in a statement. 

Border authorities will progressively register the data of third-country nationals crossing the borders. At the end of this period, the EES will be fully deployed at all border crossing points, according to the Commission.

The system will register the traveller’s name, biometric data, and the date and place of entry and exit. Facial scans and fingerprint data taken during the first registration is stored in the EES database for three years. 

During this period, travellers will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border when entering and exiting, which will be matched against stored data.

-B