by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:10 AM ET, Thu December 21, 2023
United States citizens will soon get a taste of what it
feels like for international travelers arriving in our country. Nations making
up the European Union have been revamping how travelers outside of
Europe pass through its borders.
For people whose passports do not require them to
obtain a tourist visa, the European
Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is meant to serve as a
quick online application that screens the traveler for security for a nominal
fee of seven euros every three years. The U.S. has had its own Electronic
System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for visitors from the EU and other
visa-exempt countries since 2008.
But between the pandemic and software delays, ETIAS has been
scaled back numerous times over the past decade. A part of the ETIAS, the
EU’s Entry-Exit System (EES) is a fingerprint system meant to replace
passport stamps and track how much time one has spent in the EU digitally. The
rollout for this part of ETIAS has finally been set for October 6, 2024.
"The kiosks have been tested in Paris
and are being reworked for improvements—but we will be ready, especially as we
are sure now EES will start after the Olympics, even perhaps at the start of
2025," said Nicolas Paulissen, Union of French Airports delegate.
For now, travelers passing through EU airports starting on
October 6 must have their fingerprints and facial data registered to track how
long they have been in the EU.
Debate continues over how much this change will slow down
airports already dealing with overcrowding issues.
According to the European
Union’s Home Affairs website, the system “will register the person’s name,
type of the travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and captured facial
images), and the date and place of entry and exit, in full respect of
fundamental rights and data protection.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
