Next month, a new, automated border control system will launch in EU countries. It’s said to make travelling more efficient and closely monitors individuals travelling under the 90-day rule.

The Entry and Exit System

The new system is called the ‘Entry and Exit System’ or EES for short. The system has been designed to transform border control experience for Britons and other non-EU citizens, due to be fully operational by 2024.

The biometric scheme was created by the European Commission to monitor non-EU citizens making short visits to the Schengen area, with or without a visa.

EES is the first of two new automated systems planned by the European Commission. The second, is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System or ETIAS for short. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation system for visa-exempt non-EU citizens travelling to or through the Schengen zone. The two new systems will be rolled out across 25 EU countries (excluding Cyprus and Ireland) and four non-EU countries (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).

What data will the EES collect?

The new system relies on travellers having the new, biometric passports, which were introduced in 2006 in the UK. These have a microchip that stores a digitised image of your passport as well as the details within. Similar to the already in-use digital security checks in place, the EES requires travellers to scan their passport and do facial (and sometimes fingerprint) scans. The system collects key information listed in your passport (name, DOB, etc.) as well as the date and place of entry and exit from a country using the EES.

 

Benefits of the new systems

The EES and ETIAS should increase border control efficiency and quality of processes, while simplifying travel in a secure environment.

The EES in particular, makes it easier to detect individuals who have exceeded their stay under the 90-day rule* and also, easier to identify those using false identities or passports.

 

Understanding the 90-day rule

The period of 90 days in any 180 is calculated as a single period for all countries that use the EES. For example, that means if you’re heading to Italy via France, from the UK, your 90-day clock will start as soon as you enter France, not just when you arrive in Italy. This applies to all European countries which have signed the Schengen agreement.

For further clarification on the 90-day rule, head to schengenvisainfo.com. They also have a free Schengen calculator.

Who needs to follow the 90-day rule?

The 90/180-day rule is subject to:

• all foreign nationals who are non-EU/EEA citizens but can enter the Schengen area visa-free (US, Australian and Canadian citizens)
• All foreign nationals who have a valid five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa
• British nationals (due to Brexit, UK nationals must now abide by the 90/180-day rule)

If you’re looking to buy a holiday home within the Schengen area, there are many countries to choose from. Why not start your search now? Will you choose France, Greece, Italy, Portugal or Spain?

 

Written by Property Guides for Rightmove

If you are considering an overseas property purchase, whether for lifestyle or investment, opening a no-obligation account with FCA-authorised Smart Currency Exchange will enable you to benefit from their competitive exchange rates and specialist currency knowledge, ultimately saving you money and time. For more information, download Smart Currency Exchange’s free report or visit the Currency Zone.