The European Union is making significant strides in modernising border management by implementing two key systems: the Entry-Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Both are set to reshape how the EU handles external border crossings within the Schengen area, ensuring greater security and efficiency while preparing for the future of travel.
This article will explore what these new systems mean for travellers and border authorities, how they will impact the border control process, and what to expect in the coming years.
What are EES and ETIAS?
The EES and ETIAS are products of the EU's Smart Borders program. While the EES focuses on biometric registration and tracking of non-European Union citizens entering and exiting the Schengen area, ETIAS provides a pre-screening mechanism for visa-exempt travellers. Together, these systems aim to strengthen border security, streamline processes, and enhance the overall travel experience for bona fide visitors.
The EES, which mandates biometric registration (facial images and fingerprints) for short-stay travellers, is designed to ensure accurate record-keeping and facilitate quicker crossings. ETIAS, on the other hand, serves as an electronic travel authorisation for citizens from over 60 visa-exempt countries, functioning similarly to systems already in place in the U.S. and Canada.
Designed as a modular and fully integrated solution, Zetes Border Control enables seamless compliance with EES and ETIAS while enhancing automation, intelligence-led decision-making, and real-time monitoring.
Delays and progress
Initially slated for launch in 2021, the EES has faced several setbacks, including the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its rollout is critical for enabling ETIAS, which is set to follow one yearlater. The phased introduction of these systems will involve a transitional period, during which border authorities and travellers will adapt to the new requirements.
Impact at the borders
For non-EU travellers, the EES will mean additional steps at the border, including biometric data collection at self-service kiosks. However, this initial complexity is balanced by the promise of faster crossings on subsequent visits. ETIAS, while less visible, will require eligible travellers to secure authorisation online before their journey, ensuring that only those meeting entry criteria reach the border.
The future of travel
Introducing these systems is part of a broader evolution toward seamless and secure border crossings. Technological advancements such as digital travel credentials and electronic visas are expected to transform how people move across borders.
While delays have marked the development of the EES and ETIAS, their eventual implementation represents a pivotal moment in EU border management. They combine enhanced security with modern technology to meet the demands of a globalised world.
This is where Zetes Border Control plays a crucial role. Designed as a modular and fully integrated solution, Zetes Border Control enables seamless compliance with EES and ETIAS while enhancing automation, intelligence-led decision-making, and real-time monitoring. By integrating traveller pre-screening, biometric verification, and risk assessment tools, Zetes ensures that border authorities can maintain security while improving efficiency.
The implementation of EES and ETIAS underscores the EU's commitment to safeguarding its borders and preparing for a future where travel is safer, smarter, and more efficient. Want to dive deeper into the EES and ETIAS?