To improve the quality of border controls and speeding up border crossing procedures, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is scheduled to be launched in fourth quarter of 2024. The EES will be an automated information system for the registration of travellers from third-countries, for short-term stays, applying to both short-stay visa holders and visa-free travellers. The EES will replace the current manual stamping system with the digital border control system. This will enable every traveller to check the number of remaining days of his or her authorised stay, which they can follow at this link.
Regardless of the purpose of the visit, the EES will register the person’s name, type of travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and captured facial images), as well as the date and place of entry and exit each time they cross an EU external border.
EES envisages a wider use of automated checks and self-service systems, which will lead to more comfortable and faster border crossings in the long term. Nevertheless, in the first months after the launch of the EES, a longer time of border crossing control is expected, both at entry and exit.
In the first months, the initial registration including the biometric data collection, will take place under the supervision of border control personnel. Travellers must therefore expect adjustments to border control processes that may lead to delays during check-ins. Trained staff will assist passengers at international airports in the Czech Republic. After the transitional period, border control will become quicker, because it will only be verification of previously obtained data that will take place at entry/exit. More information about the EES can be found on the website of the European Commission at the following link.