The European Union (EU) is set to introduce a new Entry & Exit System (EES) for border checks, starting on October 12, 2025, and eventually extending to all non-EU visitors by April 2026. This system aims to enhance passport controls at Schengen borders, including facial scans and fingerprint checks for those entering EU countries. But what does this mean for non-EU residents living in the EU or Schengen states? Let’s break it down.

Who Will Be Affected?

The primary focus of the EES checks will be non-EU travelers entering the EU for the first time. These checks apply to those on short-stay visas as well. However, many non-EU residents with a long-stay visa or residence permit in an EU country will be exempt. This means you won’t have to go through the EES checks; instead, you’ll need to show your passport and your residence permit as you cross borders.

Exemptions Explained

The EES aims to curb the issue of illegal overstaying—when visitors stay in the Schengen area longer than permitted—by enforcing stricter controls. But if you are a legal resident with a valid visa or a residence permit, you won’t fall under this scrutiny. The European Commission has clarified that non-EU citizens residing in the EU will not need to pre-register their details in the EES system, allowing for a smoother crossing at borders.

Practical Changes for Residents

From a practical standpoint, exempt non-EU residents will likely not use the automated passport scanners because those machines can only scan standard passports, not additional documents like residency permits. Instead, it’s recommended to use manned passport booths, but it’s not guaranteed these will be available at every border checkpoint.

For example, if you’re traveling via Eurotunnel—a train service connecting the UK and France—you should head straight to the regular border points and skip the EES checks. At ports like Dover and Calais, travelers are advised to inform the staff of their residency status so they can be directed appropriately.

Issues at the Border

It’s important to remember that while residents may not need to go through the EES system, they might still face delays and long queues, especially if the border checks for non-residents slow things down. Past experiences have shown that border guards may not always follow the guidelines, leading to incorrect stamping of passports or confusion.

What About Those Without a Residence Permit?

If you’re a non-EU citizen living in the EU but don’t have a residence permit or a valid visa, you might encounter challenges. This situation typically applies to UK citizens who were living in the EU before Brexit and are in “declaratory” countries like Germany, Italy, or Spain where obtaining a residency card was not strictly necessary. However, it’s strongly advised that individuals in this situation get a residency permit to avoid complications.

Traveling with Non-Residents

One more thing to consider: if you’re traveling with non-EU visitors who need to go through EES checks, you might get caught up in the lines too. For instance, if you’re in a vehicle with non-EU friends, your vehicle will likely have to go through the EES checks even if you are a resident.

Knowing Your Borders

The EES checks will only be applicable at external EU and Schengen borders. Within the Schengen zone, traveling will remain as it is now. If you’re planning to visit countries like Ireland or Cyprus, remember they won’t be implementing EES checks, as they are not part of the Schengen area.

Conclusion

As a resident of an EU country, it’s essential to stay informed about these changes. While you may not have to deal with the EES checks directly, the effects of this new system could lead to longer waits and potential confusion. Ensure you have your residence permits ready, even if you don’t need to show them at every border. The increase in efficiency should not overshadow your legal rights as a resident.

For further updates on the EES system, keep yourself in the loop. Lastly, don’t forget to share your experiences with others who might be traveling or living abroad.

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Original Text – https://www.thelocal.es/20240427/reader-question-what-will-ees-mean-for-foreigners-living-in-europe