EU introduces biometric digital travel documents for visitors to the bloc
The European Union (“EU”) is introducing an automated border registration computer system for registering travellers from countries outside the EU, including short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travellers, each time they cross an EU external border. The system aims to replace the current manual passport stamping process.
The automated border control system, known as the Entry-Exit System (“EES”), collects biometric data including fingerprints, captured facial images, and the date and place of entry and exit.
Biometric registration will be needed on first use, with subsequent visits requiring only one of the biometric checks – practically, facial biometrics will be used.
The EES is expected to launch on 10 November 2024, affecting British travellers to the EU and Schengen countries.
This comes as new biometric ID cards were rolled out across Europe this week with EU member states updating their national credentials in line with regulations requiring eID. The biometric ID cards have a QR code containing the citizen’s number and have chips embedded containing biometric details such as two fingerprints. The cards serve as travel documents within the EU, meaning no passports are required.
Meanwhile, in response to a rise in gang-related violence and cross-border criminal activities, the Danish government has confirmed plans to implement a facial recognition system for police to use in the investigation of crimes. It is claimed facial recognition will be used by police in the investigation of “serious crimes.”
While the EU and EU countries roll out biometric digital IDs and facial recognition across various public services, including border control, US authorities continue to push for access to EU member states’ biometric databases to conduct traveller screening as part of its “visa-free travel regime.”
The US wants all countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Programme (“VWP”) to sign the Enhanced Border Security Partnership (“EBSP”) agreement by 2027.
Alongside the International Biometric Information Sharing Program (“IBIS”), EBSP is designed to gain access to national biometric databases to authenticate travellers’ identities. The EBSP would require direct connections between the biometric databases of participating states and the US’ IDENT/HART system.
However, Biometric Update reported on Wednesday that EU-US negotiations on EBSP have stalled as the EU and its member states are still in the dark about the US’ intentions.
We can guess what the intentions are, and they’re not only the intentions of the US. They are attempting to consolidate our biometric data into a global database that is accessible to whoever they choose; to make it accessible to and to be used for whatever reason they choose, without our consent. And whoever has control over or has access to our data can manipulate and control us.
Further reading:
- Entry/Exit System (EES), European Commission
- Most Britons unaware of new EU biometric border controls set to be enforced from October, The Standard, 8 May 2024
- What will the EU’s new entry-exit system mean for British travellers? Independent, 24 August 2024
- Denmark to implement facial recognition for police investigations by year-end, Biometric Update, 6 September 2024
- EU members launch new biometric ID applications on deadline day, Biometric update, 6 September 2024
- US wants EU members to give access to travellers’ biometric data by 2027, Biometric Update, 4 September 2024
Featured image: New requirements to travel to Europe, European Union
