The New EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

This November, the EU plans to introduce the new digital Entry/Exit system (EES), although there is still no exact date confirmed for the moment.

This digital system will change requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area, having to now register biometric details, such as fingerprints and/or a photo when arriving at a country within the Schengen area. This registration of data will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when arriving into the EU.

Upon your first visit to the Schengen area when the EES starts, you will need to create a digital record at the arrival airport or port, submitting your fingerprints and having a photo taken at dedicated booths. There is no need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country however due to this, it may well be that you will experience longer queuing times at airports or ports.

The digital record will be valid for 3 years from the first time you provide your details, so when entering the Schengen area again during this period, they will just take a fingerprint or a photo upon entering and exiting.

Why the EU is introducing EES & ETIAS

The EES is part of a wider scheme that the EU is creating to strengthen border security. In 2025, the EU will introduce a new European Travel Information and Authorisation System called ETIAS. ​

The EES is designed to improve border security and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area. The idea is that the automated border control checks will help the EU stop visitors overstaying.​

When ETIAS is introduced in 2025, visitors will need to apply for authorisation to enter Schengen area countries. Personal information and details about your trip will need to be provided, and there will be a 7 Euro fee to be paid as part of the authorisation process.

The EU has set out more information on ETIAS, including what information will be required from each nationality, on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.

Non-EU Citizens with TIE Cards

The British Embassy and the Spanish Government are strongly advising anyone with a green residency card or the A4 certificate to apply for a uniform-format biometric card, which in Spain is called the TIE card, as soon as possible to avoid problems and delays at passport controls.

Whilst in possession of a TIE card, non-EU residents residing in Spain will be exempt from creating a digital record for the new EES provided they can show their TIE card alongside their passport.

At Nockolds Lawyers Spain, our expert team can help you with the application of a TIE card in an efficient and stress-free manner.