The European Commission has decided to delay the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) which was due to come into force on November 10
The European Commission has decided to delay the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) which was due to come into force on 10 November.
Ylva Johansson, the commissioner for home affairs, made the announcement of the delay at the end of an EU interior ministers meeting on October 10. She told reporters: “10th of November is no longer on the table.” Adding that Germany, France and the Netherlands had declared their unreadiness. I hope we can start as soon as possible but there’s no new timeline so far. This also depends on the legal assessment that we will do and we’re working on it right now.”
Under EES, travellers from non-EU countries such as the UK will need to have their fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken to register them on a database when they enter a member state. The data will be stored for three years.
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She also expressed how there is no new timeline in place at the moment, but that she hoped the EU “can start as soon as possible. This also depends on the legal assessment that we will do, and we’re working on it right now.”
Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at ABTA – The Travel Association, said: “It is good to know the full implementation of EES is no longer expected in November, as the industry had been left in limbo waiting for news on when it will start.
“We do still need urgent confirmation and clarification on the next steps of EES; it’s difficult to talk to a customer about a new system without knowing if it will actually be in place for their trip. It is also really important the rollout, in whatever form it takes, avoids peak travel periods. ABTA will continue to help members prepare and we have advice for customers at www.abta.com/eesandetias.”
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Neil Swanson, who was appointed UK and Ireland managing director for tour operator Tui last month, predicted there “could be some hiccups” with EES, and urged the Government to take more action to ensure holidaymakers are prepared.
He said: “We will absolutely be looking after our customers, we will be making sure they’re aware. But I think the Government should be doing a bit more as well to make sure that everyone’s aware of what the situation is.”
In August 2024, the Department for Transport announced that there would be £10.5 million of funding for UK ports where border checks are conducted to support new facilities and technology to deal with EES. The scheme EES scheme was first suggested in 2016 but its introduction has been delayed several times.
For the latest advice and guidance, head to the Gov.uk website.
