With the news that EES European border controls begin this fall, we’re giving an update for 56Paris blog readers.
This introduction of new ‘smart borders’ means you’ll no longer have your passport stamped as you enter and leave many countries in Europe – including France.
Instead, the process will be managed digitally and stored on a central computer system.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Changes happening in November 2024
We last covered this topic over a year ago. But since then, a finalized date is in place.
It confirms that the changes to EES European border controls are happening from November 10, 2024.
This ‘Entry/Exit System’ (EES) is a huge change, many years in the making. Its goal is to modernize and streamline the travel process for non-Europeans.
It affects travelers from non-EU countries who do not require a visa to enter the Schengen Area – such as Americans, Canadians, British nationals, Australians and others from visa-exempt countries.
If this is you, from early November you’ll now undergo automated checks at EU borders. So, instead of a customs officer stamping your passport when you enter and exit, you’ll have your personal and biometric data scanned and stored in a centralized system.
Then, each time you cross the borders of the EU, you’ll register your entry or exit through a self-service kiosk – by scanning your passport at an automated terminal.
Benefits of the new EES European border controls
You might be wondering why these changes are happening. What are the benefits of smart borders?
The main reason is to increase security and efficiency at the European borders.
By digitally tracking each entry and exit in and out, the EU can better monitor the flow of travelers – and prevent illegal overstays or unauthorized immigration.
Also, collecting biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans makes it harder to use fake or stolen passports. This reduces the risk of identity fraud, terrorism, people trafficking, drug smuggling, money laundering and even espionage.
For travelers, the system should make the arrival process more streamlined – and hopefully faster.
So, how will it actually work?
Next time you arrive at a border in France – or any other Schengen country – instead of a customs officer manually checking and stamping your passport, you’ll use a self-service kiosk.
These terminals will scan your passport and scan your biometric data at the same time.
It’s stored securely in the system for three years, so you won’t have to go through the process again on your next trip – unless you get a new passport or the three-year period expires.
While this process is more efficient, it’s also stricter.
Non-EU travelers can spend up to 90 days within any 180-day period in Schengen countries without a visa. This is not changing. It’s just that now those not sticking to the rules will easily be flagged up to the authorities.
This could mean a fine – or denied entry next time you visit.
So it’s more important than ever to stick to the 90/180-day rule.
Travelers of all ages will need to go through the EES border checks. But children aged under 12 will not need to provide fingerprints – however they will need to have a facial scan taken.
More changes coming in 2025
A further change is also coming, although this one not until next year.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is scheduled to roll out in mid-2025.
ETIAS is a new travel authorization which you’ll need to apply for before visiting 30 European countries – again including France.
It’s a similar concept to the USA’s ESTA scheme.
Before traveling, you must register your details online and pay a small fee. This is €7 per person for three years (currently around US$8).
As there’s not an exact date just yet, you do not need to have an ETIAS when travelling to Europe – at the moment.
If your future plans include staying longer in Paris or visiting more frequently, it may be worth exploring options such as a long-term visa or a residency permit – especially if you’re considering buying a second home in Paris.
Ask us for more information on how to do that, including obtaining professional assistance.
By staying informed and prepared, you can continue to enjoy your travels to France with minimal disruption.
Stay updated with 56Paris
Remember, the changes to EES European border controls begin from November 10, 2024.
If you are traveling to Paris before then, everything will be the same as per your last visit. But it could be the last time you get a stamp in your passport!
The ETIAS changes are coming later, sometime in 2025. We’ll update all our readers with the latest information when it’s announced.
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Photo: Michael Meinecke