The European Parliament has given its final approval for a gradual introduction of a new border monitoring system that will eliminate the need for passport stamps for travelers from outside the EU.
Originally scheduled to begin in November, the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) has been postponed due to the unpreparedness of several countries.
The automated system was first agreed upon in 2017 to record entry and exit dates and track cases of overstays as well as rejections at the border.
Biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints, will be collected from Schengen visa holders at entry points for free movement within the EU.
The European Parliament stated that “the aim is to enhance security, expedite border control processes, and reduce waiting times.”
However, concerns have been raised that rushing the implementation may lead to longer waiting times for travelers arriving in Europe by train, ferry, or plane.
Last year, London Mayor Sadiq Khan warned that this measure could cause “chaos” at St. Pancras station, the Eurostar hub in the British capital.
This year, the UK, having left the EU in 2020, is enforcing a mandatory digital travel authorization for European visitors.
Under the plan approved by European lawmakers in Strasbourg with 572 votes in favor and 42 against, the European project will be in place for six months.
The European Commission will determine the exact date after the law is officially enacted. EU member states are expected to expedite the EES system implementation at half of the border crossing points within three months and register all individuals using the system within six months.