The launch of the EES has been postponed several times now. The EU was aiming to introduce the system in the autumn of 2024. However, due to some problems that occurred along the way, the EU said that the implementation would be delayed for an undetermined period, removing the November 10 launch date from the table.

Since the website has confirmed that the system is not due for this year, travellers should not worry about long delays during the winter holiday season. Still, whenever the launch takes place, it is expected that chaos will be created until everyone who needs to complete this step registers into the system.

The statement that the system is “due to start in 2025” could mean that the implementation could take place any time next year. Additional information is expected to be shared after the upcoming December 12 meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council.

Entry/Exit System Could Be Implemented Gradually

Not long after the EU authorities announced that the launch date of the EES has been postponed once again, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, said that the system could be introduced in a phased manner.

Through an official statement, Commissioner Johansson said that instead of requiring all member states to introduce the system at their border crossings at the same time, the EU might decide to implement the measure gradually by starting with some border crossings and then moving to some others.

The EES is an automated system that will replace the manual passport stamping for those entering the bloc.

Once the system gets introduced, all travellers, regardless of whether they are permitted visa-free entry to the Schengen Area or not, will need to register.

During the registration process, travellers will be required to provide their facial images and fingerprints along with other personal information. As soon as registration is completed, the data will be stored in a database for three years.