As of November 10, 2024, a new Entry and Exit System (SES) in the European Union which will change the way citizens’ passports are used citizens of the European Community and other travelers. This automated system will replace the traditional passport stamps with a digital register that will document entries and exits, with the aim of improving border management and preventing irregular migration. Travelers will have to provide information such as their fingerprints, facial images and details about each border crossing.
This digitization will also make it possible to identify those who exceed the authorized stay limitsset at 90 days over a period of 180 days. The SES, proposed in 2016 as part of the European Agenda for Security and Migrationwill finally come into force after being delayed due to the pandemic. Furthermore, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) It will also come into force in early 2025 and will affect citizens of visa-exempt countries like the United States and Canada.
European Union Entry and Exit System (SES)
From November 10, 2024, the European Union will implement the new Entry and Exit System (SES), which will change the way citizens of third countries access the Schengen area.
This digital and automated system It will electronically record the entry and exit movements of these travelers, replacing the manual stamps of traditional passports. According to Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson, the SES seeks to improve border management, using advanced tools such as biometrics and real-time monitoring of personal information for greater security and efficiency.
The recorded data will include biometric informationsuch as fingerprints and facial recognition, as well as details such as date and location of entry and exit. This data will be retained for up to five years if the authorized length of stay is exceeded and will be accessible to border authorities, security agencies and Europol to prevent criminal activity. The implementation of electronic passports and automated checkpoints will speed up the border process and reduce waiting times.
This system will concern all travelers who do not reside in the EU or who do not have a long-stay visa. Additionally, the SES will work in all Schengen area countrieswhich includes most EU member states and others such as Norway and Switzerland. It will also enable automated verification of authorized length of stay, helping to prevent travelers from exceeding the permitted 90 days in a 180-day period.
The implementation of the SES represents a significant step forward in the European border controlintegrating new technologies to make travel safer and more efficient.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
On the other hand, from 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)marking a significant change in the way we travel in Europe. This new system will function as a mandatory authorization for citizens of visa-exempt countries who wish to visit countries in the European Union (EU) and Schengen area. ETIAS aims to improve border security and facilitate migration management, by allowing authorities to assess travelers before their arrival.
He ETIAS application process It will be simple and will take place on the Internet. Travelers will need to fill out a form with their personal information, passport details and travel details. Application evaluation will be done automatically and most applicants will receive a response almost immediately. The cost of this authorization will be 7 euros, but it will be exempt for those under 18 and over 71.
Once approved, the authorization will have a three-year validity or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, travelers will be able to use the same authorization for multiple entries into Europe, provided they meet the stay conditions. It is essential that the authorization is valid for the entire duration of the trip.
THE country Those affected include Albania, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece , Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.
ETIAS is part of a broader EU effort to strengthen security at its borders. Citizens of countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and several Latin American countries, such as Argentina and Brazil, will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling. This new approach to travel authorization aims to improve security and facilitate a more orderly flow of migration at European borders.
Ultimately, both systems aim to ensure a safe and efficient flow of people across European borders, while improving the ability of authorities to manage migratory movements and prevent illegal activities.
