EU Postpones Entry/Exit System Indefinitely

The European Union has indefinitely postponed the rollout of its new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES), initially scheduled for November 10, due to IT readiness issues in key member states such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The EES, which aims to replace passport stamping with biometric checks, is intended to streamline tracking of non-EU visitors' movements within the Schengen Area. Concerns about potential chaos at borders and lack of infrastructure readiness have prompted a phased introduction approach. The delay is expected to impact related systems like the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), anticipated in 2025. Travel industry stakeholders, including airlines like easyJet, have expressed fears about significant disruptions and congestion at airports. EU officials have yet to provide a new timeline, and discussions for a pilot program to begin in 2025 are ongoing.