After repeated postponements, stretching back over several years, the EU is trying again for firm dates to implement its new border control and visa waiver systems.
Europe’s home affairs ministers, meeting last week, set the “second half of 2024” as the implementation date for Entry/Exit System (EES) to take effect. It’s an electronic system to record who is entering and exiting the EU and Schengen area, enabling authorities to know who may be overstaying their permission to be there. When it’s implemented, passport stamps will be discontinued in favor of the electronic record.
The other system, European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), is now scheduled for the “first half of 2025.” ETIAS is similar to the U.S. ESTA system, which issues a travel authorization to visitors from countries whose citizens don’t need a visa to enter. It carries a €7 fee and is valid for two years of travel. ETIAS applications and documents will be handled online.
