Since Brexit, the reversion to passport stamps to gain entry and exit at EU border points has been like stepping back in time, only without the nostalgia!
But change is on its way. About time half of you say. Oh no think the other 50%, more to go wrong.
The Entry/Exit System (ESS) is a large-scale EU IT project to automatically monitor the border crossing activity of third-party nationals in to and out from the Schengen area. UK passport-holders are third-party nationals. The system is designed to replace any need for passport stamping. As we have said in previous posts, the Schengen area is different to the EU bloc. The former is about freedom of movement of people from countries who are signatories to the Schengen Convention. The EU is an economic and political coalition. For example, Eire is not a Schengen signatory but is an EU Member.
At the time of writing, EES is scheduled to enter operation at ports and airports in May 2023.
Data collection
EES will collect data at external EU border-points from third-country nationals, replacing the need for passport stamps. Collected data will include the name and date of birth of the traveller, as well as dates of entry and exit into/from the Schengen Area.
To date, the rules like 90 days in 180 has been very hard to enforce, simply from a practical point of view via passport stamping. The EES automated system will change this overnight, assuming its introduction goes without a hitch.
The Entry/Exit System explained
MORE: Official fact sheet about the EES
