TRAVELERS in the US are being urged to ensure they have the correct security registration before arriving in nearly 30 European countries from next month.
The “border law” will affect thousands of passengers traveling to 29 countries in Europe from October 12.
There are now new rules for US travelers following the introduction of the EU’s Entry-Exit System (EES).
The system comprises e-gates and the computerised system, which will automatically check passports at the external borders of countries in the Schengen Area.
This area represents the border-free zone in the EU of 29 countries, which includes 25 EU member states, including France, Germany and Italy, and four non-EU member states.
The latter includes Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Under the new scheme, US travelers arriving at a border crossing point at these 29 countries for the first time from October 12 will have to provide personal data.
Passport control officers are able to scan fingerprints or take a photo of a traveler’s face at the border, with the information recorded in a digital file.
Important note
This procedure can, however, be done in advance.
In a statement on the European Union website, officials outlined the procedure.
It is important for US travelers to note there are different requirements for passengers arriving in the EU for the first time to those landing on subsequent visits.
It stated: “This process can be quicker if you register some of your data in advance.
“You can do this by using the dedicated equipment [“self-service system”], if available at your border crossing point; and/or a mobile application – if made available by the country of arrival or departure.
“In any of the instances above, you will meet a passport control officer.”
Differing procedures
US travelers who have crossed the borders of the European countries using the EES more than once after October 12 will face a different procedure, with fingerprints or the photo of your face already recorded in the system.
“The passport control officers will only verify your fingerprints and photo, which will take less time,” the EU said.
“In rare cases, it may be necessary to collect and record your data again.
“If you hold a biometric passport, you will be able to enter more quickly using the self-service system [if available at that border crossing point].”
While the EES starts on October 12 European countries using the new system will gradually introduce security procedures gradually.
The EES is expected to be fully operational across all border points by April 10, 2026.
