What Travelers Can Expect at the Border
When you hit a border crossing, you’re not just popping your passport in the scanner—you’re stepping into a whole mini‑educational adventure.
- Info‑Burst Sessions: Quick, snappy talks that fire up your curiosity about customs rules and local travel hacks. Think of them as a “passport 101” refresher.
- Interactive Fun: Games, quizzes, and even a few goofy activities to make sure you leave with more than just travel insurance in your mind.
- Real‑World Tips: Handouts and visual demos that show you how to spot a real customs stamp versus a postcard you’ve tried to pretend is official.
So next time you cross a border, anticipate more than metal detectors—prepare for an engaging mix of knowledge, laughs, and maybe even a new passport‑friendly meme.
EU’s Entry/Exit System Kicks Off This October
For the first time ever, the European Union’s long‑awaited digital border system is getting the green light.
Officials say the rollout starts on 12 October 2024, and it’s a big deal for anyone traveling into or out of the EU.
What the EES Actually Does
- Tracks visas and passes people through customs with a click.
- Reduces queues at airports—no more waiting for a passport scan.
- Keeps security tight while giving travelers more freedom.
- Stitches together data from member states, tech firms, and airlines into one smooth system.
Official Statement
Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s tech sovereignty czar, sums it up: “The launch moves the EU closer to becoming the world’s most advanced travel destination.” She adds that working hand‑in‑hand with member states and the transport sector lets the bloc build a secure, efficient, and travel‑friendly framework that shows Europe’s commitment to both safety and innovation.
The Spark in EU Travel
Imagine starting your journey without a passport station! The EES will streamline your entry and exit process, leaving you more time to focus on enjoying your trip, whether it’s sipping espresso in Rome or taking selfies on a London bridge.
Final Thought
So, mark your calendars and keep your travel documents handy. The EU is stepping up its game—making the adventure smoother, safer, and a bit futuristic for all of us.
When will the EU’s EES be fully launched?
The New EU Border System: EES in Action
All right, folks—no kidding! The European Commission is launching the Entry & Exit System (EES) to keep track of travelers who overstay their 90‑day, 180‑day window in the Schengen Area.
What’s Going on?
Think of it as a very tech‑savvy security layer that will be activated at every border crossing in Europe. The goal? To make sure anyone who crosses into the Schengen Zone ends up registered and doesn’t end up hanging on the fringe for too long.
UK’s Got Your Back
The UK, in a generous gesture, has earmarked £3.5 million (€4.1 million) each for Eurostar, Eurotunnel, and the Port of Dover. This money is earmarked for installing registration kiosks—so expect card‑swiping, selfie‑zones, and perhaps a friendly “Are you a tourist or a workaholic?” quiz.
Roll‑Out Timeline
- 12 October: The EES kicks off across EU Member States.
- Next 6 months: gradual full‑deployment at every border crossing point.
- End goal: every single inner‑border station will have EES machinery humming for seamless checks.
Bottom Line
From now on, border officials will be gathering and verifying data from every third‑country national stepping across the line. By the end of the half‑year, the entire system will be up and running—making the Schengen Zone more secure and, hopefully, a bit more predictable for frequent travelers.
What does the EES mean for travellers?
The New EU Exit‑Entry System (EES): What It Means for Travelers
Who’s In?
Think of the EES as a digital passport‑check‑in for anyone who’s not a long‑term resident in the EU. UK, US, Canada, Australia, and all the rest get a bite of this border‑tech. EU citizens, holders of long‑stay visas, or people who’re already living in the region don’t need to hop on this bandwagon.
How It Works—Like a High‑Tech Scan‑Your‑Passport Game
Every time you cross an EU external border, you’ll:
- Wander over to a self‑service kiosk.
- Show your passport or travel doc.
- Let the machine read your face and fingerprints.
The system then logs your name, biometric data, and the exact date and place of your entry/exit. It saves your facial scans and fingerprints for a full three years.
Next Crossings: Finger‑Touch or Face‑Scan Quick‑Pass
Once you’re on the record, future trips are quick and painless. At the border, a single fingerprint or a photo of your face will do the trick—no passport in hand, just a match against the EES database.
Why It’s Worth the Time
With the EES set to launch in October 2025, the major fun component is that it will speed up the process while keeping security tight.
Funny Side‑Notes
Imagine you’re a tourist to Italy, and you’ve already scrolled through Piedmont, Tuscany. You’ll just flash your face and step through—like a VIP line at a concert. Cheap latte, quick exit, & no fuss.
Bottom Line
If you’re crossing EU borders in the near future, get ready to mirror your face on a kiosk and step out in record time—thanks to the cool new EES.
Will the EES cause border delays?
New Border Tech: Will It Make You Wait in Line Forever?
Travelers are already raising their eyebrows at the idea that the fresh tech rollout could turn every Schengen checkpoint into a long‑line wonderland. The vault‑door cameras and scanners that will pop up on every land, sea, and plane border promise a slick, automated future, but the question’s the same: will it speed things up or slow them down?
What’s the Big Deal?
Under the new system, each passenger will be required to navigate a brand‑new scanning setup. Think of it as a passport‑slot upgrade—from a humble barcode to a full‑color, fingerprint‑level machine. The Commission is promising that the rollout will be a smooth and effective deployment by sticking close to Member States.
How the Commission Is Acting Like a Traffic Director
- Standing by hand‑shaking with each country to keep the rollout dialed in.
- Planning a “smooth” rollout that would keep you from dancing in lines.
- Offering a flood of information offers to keep travelers in the know.
What Travelers Can Do in the Coming Days
As the launch date draws nearer, the Commission says expect:
- Clear info banners at every border checkpoint.
- Fun, quick awareness workshops at airports across the EU.
- Plenty of FAQ pads so you’re never left guessing.
So, gear up for a faster future—but if you’re a “queue junkie,” keep that patience level ready for a possible line.
EES will be followed by ETIAS in 2026
ETIAS: The New Gatekeeper for Schengen Adventures
Think of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) as the official “green light” that’ll let you glide into the Schengen Area once the old EES (Entry and Exit System) takes a break in late 2026. Hold on, though—there’s a six‑month grace period, so no compulsory cards until 2027. Get it? Be ready!
What’s in it for you?
- Who’s affected? Non‑EU travelers that normally fly visa‑free. If you’re headed to Paris, Berlin, or Rome, you’ll need the ETIAS badge before stepping out of the airport.
- How to acquire it? The process is less a labyrinth and more a quick online “yes, I’m a friendly traveler” form.
- Pay-to-pass? Yes. A small €20 fee unlocks the gate. It’s a one‑time spend that gets you in for up to three years or until your passport expires—so you’re basically on a long‑term visa.
- Exceptions? Yes! If you’re under 18 or over 70, the €20 is waived. What you’ll still have to do, though, is fill out the online application—no one’s getting a free ride on the travel express.
Why the fuss?
Picture the old ETIAS system as a leaky bucket that needed fixing. The new system aims to tighten up security, streamline entry, and keep the passport‑holder data up to date—all while making it easier for those who have never had to pay to enter the Schengen zone.
So, the game plan?
- Grab your passport and give it a dazzling shine.
- Visit the official ETIAS website (no, you can’t just grab an app from the phone app store).
- Enter your personal details, answer those security questions (yes, they’re weird but necessary), and pay the €20 fee.
- Wait for verification. Once you get the green light, you’re good for three years.
- Keep an eye on the expiry—once your passport ages too much, you’ll need a fresh authorization.
In short: Get that ETIAS, stay breezy, and enjoy your European escapades without visa headaches.
Eurostar will double the number of booths for EES launch
Eurostar Gives Passengers a Head Start to Beat the London Rush
Ever tried squeezing into St Pancras before the train actually leaves? Yeah, it’s a workout. Eurostar’s new trick is letting you hop onto the platform 30 minutes ahead of schedule, so you’re not stuck in the departure lounge piling into the crowd.
Why the Change?
- Space is tight – the historic station can’t handle every extra passenger.
- Border and security prep – the upcoming EES system, and later ETIAS, will need more time.
- Clever staffing – they’re doubling border crew and manual booths.
New Check‑in Hubs
Eurostar’s got up to 49 new EES kiosks (previously 24). Because there’s no room in the usual spot, the booths will pop up all over the station – including spots already used by domestic trains and the high‑speed HS1 line.
Always On‑Call
“Sparkingly trained staff will be there around the clock,” the company stresses, so your journey stays smooth – even when the system kicks in.