The European Union announced on Wednesday that a delayed new border-check system for non-EU nationals, which will do away with passport stamps, will finally launch in October.
The so-called Entry/Exit System (EES) was initially due to begin last November, but was pushed back at the last minute as several countries were not ready. The EES will record visitors’ date of entry and exit, and keep track of overstays and refused entries. Travellers will have details and biometric data—facial images and fingerprints—collected.
The system’s introduction has raised fears of queues and longer waiting times for those travelling to Europe by train, ferry or plane. In March, member states agreed on a phased rollout, which the European Commission said on Wednesday will begin on 12 October.
“This will strengthen security… by helping us identify overstayers, prevent irregular movements, and reduce document and identity fraud,” said Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Migration.
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