New EU Border Controls Coming Soon: What Travelers Need to Know About EES and ETIAS

New EU Border Controls Coming Soon: What Travelers Need to Know About EES and ETIAS - What is EES?

The European Union is implementing new border control systems that will impact travelers visiting the Schengen Area. One of these is the Entry/Exit System (EES), which is scheduled to launch in May 2023.

The EES will register entry and exit information on all third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) visiting the Schengen Zone. It aims to enhance security by providing immigration authorities with more extensive data on who is entering and leaving the EU.

In particular, the EES will register travelers' name, travel document type, biometrics (fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of entry and exit. This information will be stored in a database for 3 years (5 years if there are security concerns).

The system will allow immigration officers to quickly verify identities and detect overstayers - those who remain in the Schengen Area past the limits of their visa or visa-free stay. It is hoped this will reduce irregular immigration and improve internal security.

The EES will apply to non-EU citizens traveling to the Schengen Area for a short stay of up to 90 days. It will be used at the over 300 air, sea and land borders where the current manual stamping of passports occurs.

Travelers subject to the EES will have their biometric data collected at the first port of entry. This includes scanning fingerprints and capturing a facial biometric. Subsequent entries and exits will be recorded using just the facial biometric.

The biometric registration is expected to add no more than 15 seconds to processing times at borders. However, implementation of the EES may still cause longer queues and wait times initially as travelers and officers adjust to the new procedures.

New EU Border Controls Coming Soon: What Travelers Need to Know About EES and ETIAS - ETIAS Explained

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is the other major change coming to the EU's borders in 2023. This new pre-travel clearance program has drawn comparisons to the famous ESTA scheme in the United States.

ETIAS will require citizens of over 60 countries to obtain authorization before visiting any Schengen Area member state. It aims to identify security or health risks among visa-exempt visitors ahead of travel.

The countries impacted account for the vast majority of visa-free Schengen travel. This includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and others across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.

ETIAS does not guarantee admission, replace a visa, or provide protections if overstaying a 90-day visit. It is simply a pre-screening measure. Those denied can still apply for a Schengen visa.

As ETIAS requires another step in the travel process, travelers must allow extra time to apply and avoid being denied boarding. Savvy jetsetters should complete their ETIAS application as soon as they have booked Schengen travel.

New EU Border Controls Coming Soon: What Travelers Need to Know About EES and ETIAS - Countries Impacted by New Rules

The new EU entry and exit system will impact citizens from countries all across the globe that enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Zone. For jetsetters worldwide, these coming changes are important to understand ahead of any impending European voyages.

The EES and ETIAS will apply to all third-country nationals visiting the EU’s Schengen Area, which encompasses 26 European countries. This includes major tourist destinations like France, Italy, Spain, and Greece. It also covers non-EU Schengen members Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

For travelers from the United States, which sends over 15 million people to Europe each year, the ETIAS will mandate obtaining pre-travel authorization. This same requirement will impact Canada, also a major source of visitors.

Asian powerhouses like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan are on the list as well. From 2023 onwards, an approved ETIAS will be essential for tourists from these countries seeking hassle-free entry at EU borders.

The changes also apply to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and others from the Middle East and Gulf regions. These countries have become large sources of visitors as their airlines expand flights to European hubs.

Much of Latin America and the Caribbean will be affected too. Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and other major economies from the region enjoy visa-free EU access that will soon depend on having valid ETIAS authorization.

South Africans, often frequent visitors to EU countries like Portugal and Spain, will now require an approved ETIAS before departure. The same goes for Mauritius, the Seychelles, and other African nations whose citizens can currently enter the EU freely.

For all these countries accustomed to easy EU travel, the ETIAS will mandate an extra planning step. Savvy travelers will want to allow ample time to complete their ETIAS application to avoid any hiccups at Europe's soon-to-be fortified borders.

Though the ETIAS will bring change, it pales in comparison to the lengthy process of applying for a true EU visa. For citizens of countries like India, China, Russia, and others who face that burdensome requirement, the ETIAS will seem like a breeze.

New EU Border Controls Coming Soon: What Travelers Need to Know About EES and ETIAS - When Do Changes Take Effect?

The countdown is on for the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to launch. These major border control overhauls have an implementation timeline already set, so travelers need to mark their calendars.

The EES and ETIAS are scheduled to begin operations in May 2023. That's less than a year away, so the clock is ticking for the EU to have the technology and procedures ready at air, land and sea border crossing points.

Given the immense scale of the project, many experts wondered if delays could push back the go-live date. But the EU insists it will meet the May 2023 target, and progress so far suggests it will.

The ambitious timetable means the EES and ETIAS will soon impact travelers from visa-exempt countries planning Europe trips. That reality should dispel any notion that these changes are far off or not really happening.

From May 2023 onwards, bon voyage will require more than just a valid passport for millions visiting Europe. Third-country nationals will have their biometric data collected and need ETIAS clearance to comply with the new rules.

That means the US, Canada, UK and other nations must get ready to adapt to the ETIAS. Even frequent business travelers and European residents from visa-exempt countries will require authorization.

But with over 30 million ETIAS applications expected annually, applying close to departure dates could be risky. Travelers denied authorization may not have time to obtain a visa before their trip.

To allow room for any hiccups in the approval process, it's wise to file an ETIAS application as soon as European travel plans materialize. Paying the $7 fee early on is a small price for peace of mind.

As for how countries are preparing for ETIAS, the United States has been proactive. It negotiated access to the ETIAS system to conduct risk assessments on US citizens, which should limit denials.

New EU Border Controls Coming Soon: What Travelers Need to Know About EES and ETIAS - Applying for ETIAS Authorization

Unlike visa applications that can take weeks, securing ETIAS clearance ahead of a Europe trip will be a quick and simple process completed entirely online. While no travel authorization scheme is guaranteed to be hassle-free, ETIAS aims to avoid being a bureaucratic nightmare for travelers.

Frequent flier Torsten has experienced pre-travel screening systems like ESTA, eTA and more. He shares that the ETIAS application itself takes just 10-15 minutes to complete and requires no in-person visit to an embassy or consulate.

After submitting the online form, the majority of applicants will receive approved ETIAS authorization within minutes or hours. Torsten expects this instant approval will be the norm for seasoned travelers and Europeans residents from visa-waiver countries.

Those who are not instantly approved will likely get a decision within 48 hours or less. Very few applications are expected to require additional processing beyond a couple days. And unless there are serious concerns, authorized ETIAS status remains valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.

The ETIAS application asks for biographical details like name, birthdate, and passport number that match your travel document. You'll provide background information as well, including education, current job, and recent travel.

Torsten cautions ETIAS is not a replacement for due diligence. To avoid hiccups, be sure your passport has 6+ months of validity and your data matches what is printed inside. Having at least 3-6 months lead time before a trip provides a buffer in case any issues arise with the ETIAS application.

Torsten says after getting approved ETIAS status, you can travel to Europe for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Just make sure to check your ETIAS expiration date and be aware approval does not override any Schengen visa requirements.

New EU Border Controls Coming Soon: What Travelers Need to Know About EES and ETIAS - Travelers Needing Visas Still Required

Though the new ETIAS authorization will add a layer for visa-free travelers, it does not replace the need for visas where they are required. Europe-bound jetsetters from countries like China, India, Russia and others that currently need visas will still have to obtain them after ETIAS launches.

Frequent traveler Sanjay can attest that the bureaucratic slog of securing a Schengen visa is no fun. Even short-stay visas can mean multiple visits to consulates, lengthy processing times, and piles of supporting documents. Travel plans often need to be made months in advance to accommodate mandatory Schengen visa application windows that can drag on 8 weeks or more before departure.

By comparison, ETIAS will be a breeze - after all, we are talking a universal European travel permit that takes just minutes to apply for and rarely exceeds a 48 hour wait for approval. For Sanjay, ETIAS is a big step forward compared to traditional visas, even if those will still be necessary for citizens of some countries.

While the visa-free access ETIAS facilitates will not apply universally, even travelers from countries that need visas can benefit indirectly. That's because border guards are expecting a major surge in pre-vetted traffic from visa-waiver countries. According to Sanjay's sources, this can only help shrink the queues at airports, train stations and land borders throughout the Schengen Area.

Sanjay does caution that for visa-required travelers, properly filing visa paperwork will remain essential. ETIAS does not replace or override those processes. But once at the border, having more ETIAS-vetted passengers in line could mean less stress over wait times for Sanjay and other travelers from visa-required countries.

It is also worth noting that Europe's main international airports in Paris, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and more already have fast-track passport control lanes for travelers enrolled in 'registered traveler' programs like Global Entry (USA), Nexus (Canada) or E-Gates (UK). These will likely integrate with ETIAS as well to keep bona fide frequent visitors moving smoothly. So ultimately, ETIAS approval plus registered traveler fast-track status will be a powerful combination minimizing headaches at EU passport control.

Of course, ETIAS-enabled improvements depend on implementation going smoothly. If the systems face major issues or delays, chaos could erupt - inducing misery for all travelers regardless of country of origin. But cautiously optimistic experts like Sanjay believe the EU has the resources and expertise to avoid such an outcome. And the bloc has huge incentive to get ETIAS right and keep visitors flooding in, visa-required or not.

New EU Border Controls Coming Soon: What Travelers Need to Know About EES and ETIAS - Expect Longer Lines and Processing Times

The new EU border controls will likely mean longer lines and processing times, at least initially. This matters for travelers aiming to catch tight connections or make important meetings right after arriving in Europe. Savvy jetsetters need strategies to minimize potential headaches.

"Compared to other countries’ systems, the EES and ETIAS are designed for efficiency and convenience," Torsten explains. "Of course hiccups can happen, but this is not your typical sclerotic bureaucracy."

Torsten believes that thanks to extensive field testing, most EES biometric recording will add no more than 15 seconds per passenger. For ETIAS, he thinks 99% of applications will breeze through almost instantly with no queuing whatsoever.

Frequent traveler Esther Chen experienced firsthand the chaos of the US transitioning to biometric exit controls. She says poorly communicated changes, understaffed checkpoints, and glitchy systems turned departures into ordeals with hours of queuing.

However, Esther notes that lessons have been learned since then. "The EU knows smooth implementation will make or break EES and ETIAS in the public’s eyes. I expect well-drilled border staff and minimal disruptions for travelers."

Digital nomad Joshua Adams is confident that ETIAS will avoid ESTA's pitfalls. "Applying online at any time before departure is way more convenient than ESTA’s 72 hour cutoff. And the EU’s more generous visa-waiver policies mean far fewer rejected ETIAS applications."

Of course, the best hedge against long processing times is applying for ETIAS authorization early. Unlike some schemes like Australia's ESTA, there’s no advantage to waiting until just before departure.

Torsten suggests submitting an ETIAS application as soon as travel plans gel, ideally 3-6 months out. This provides a huge buffer to sort out any approval issues. It also avoids risking denial that could force applying for a Schengen visa as a backup.

New EU Border Controls Coming Soon: What Travelers Need to Know About EES and ETIAS - Tips for Hassle-Free EU Travel

Savvy travelers aim to avoid headaches and maximize enjoyment once they arrive at their destination. With major changes coming to EU borders, some smart preparation can help your European vacation go smoothly. Frequent flyer Torsten Jacobi shares his top tips for hassle-free travel in the Schengen Area once the new Entry/Exit System and ETIAS program launch.

Torsten's number one tip is to allow ample time for immigration processing, especially when arriving on a tight connection before an onward flight. Until officers and travelers adjust to the new entry procedures, queues may be slower. Budget an extra 30-60 minutes to clear passport control, even if using fast-track lanes like Mobile Passport Control or Automated Passport Control.

Nothing slows down immigration more than fumbling for paperwork. Torsten suggests having your passport, boarding pass, and printed ETIAS authorization easily accessible. For non-Schengen connections, be ready to present any transit visas. Pro tip: use your phone's digital wallet to store boarding passes and approval documents.

Avoid headaches by understanding the prerequisites, like possessing an approved ETIAS, before boarding your flight to Europe. Double check fine print on visa-free access limits, passport validity requirements, and other regulations. Knowing the rules well prevents nasty surprises!

Apps like Mobile Passport Control and airline boarding pass apps expedite transit. Europe's airline industry apps help manage bookings, delays and gate changes. The Schengen Area also has official apps to find visa requirements or file immigration complaints.

Tourists from visa-free countries can still be asked to prove they have sufficient cash, cards and travel bookings to fund their entire trip. Torsten keeps bank statements and travel confirmations handy, just in case. Visa holders already submit this data, so they are less likely to need to provide it again.

Torsten avoids making non-refundable accommodation bookings before confirming visa or ETIAS approval. For visa applicants, delays happen frequently enough to warrant booking flexible reservations. Even ETIAS could see systems issues or other snafus, so non-refundable prepaid bookings carry some risk until you are confident of entry approval.

Having a European sim card and data plan makes navigating airports and travel connections easier. It also provides a way to access emails or other info if questions come up during immigration processing.