September 8th, 2024 at 05:03 am

Long-Term Visa Holders Exempted from New EU Entry/Exit System Regulations in France

France said that the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) does not apply to non-EU nationals holding long-term visas. It is still unknown, though, which line they will get in at border inspections. Launched on November 10, 2024, the EES intends to improve security and modernize border administration, however, it may cause longer lines at ports.

The EU’s planned Entry/Exit System (EES) border regulations will not apply to non-EU citizens with long-stay visas, according to France’s Ports of Normandy Director, Jérôme Chauvet. Because of this exemption, these visitors won’t have to register with the EES to enter France.

Long-stay Visa Holders Spared

Chauvet explained that a sizable portion of travelers will be free from the EES: under the new system, those with long-stay visas won’t have to go through the pre-registration process. Chauvet emphasized that individuals holding long-stay visas are not subject to the soon-to-be-implemented EES restrictions, saying, “EES won’t be applied to them.”

EES: Who Is Required to Register and Who Is Not?

All non-EU nationals, including those requiring a Schengen visa, who are entering the EU for brief visits must register with the Entry/Exit System (EES). Non-EU nationals with long-stay visas, on the other hand, are excluded because they have special permission to enter the EU and stay for longer periods.

Required to Register in EES

• Every non-EU national travels temporarily within the EU.
• Visitors require a Schengen visa.
• Those without the necessary long-term permits, irrespective of the conditions.

Not Required to Register for the EES:

• Non-EU nationals with extended-stay visas.
• Those with certain permits stay in the EU for extended periods.

Uncertainty Regarding Queue Assignment

The issue of which line long-stay visa holders should join at border crossings is still unresolved, even though they are excluded from the EES. Chauvet proposed that they might wait in line with other foreigners who must register if they choose to join the non-EU line.

Expect Longer Queues with EES

Jérôme Chauvet forewarned that once the Entry/Exit System (EES) is implemented, there may be longer lines at French ports. The Normandy Ports, which include Dieppe, Cherbourg, and Caen-Ouistreham, intend to register international visitors arriving by automobile using tablets. Coach passengers can finish the registration process at terminals by using the kiosks there.

Chauvet emphasized that while everyone traveling—aside from those with long-stay visas—will need to finish the registration process, the new approach might result in delays. Although the EES intends to expedite border procedures, there may be longer lines at entry locations at first.

Overview: Entry/Exit System (EES)

On November 10, 2024, the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated border control system, will be put into place by the European authorities. To update border control, the EES will take the place of the current passport stamping procedure. All international visitors must record their entry and leave from the EU under this system, regardless of whether they require a Schengen visa for brief visits.

Foreigner Registration Procedure

Travelers from non-EU nations will be required to register and provide biometric data, such as a facial image and fingerprints, along with personal information and travel document details. Subsequently, the system will document the time and place of their arrival and departure from EU territory.

The system’s primary goals are, among other things, to safeguard European residents’ security, stop irregular migration, detect overstayers, and modernize border administration.

Conclusion

The Ports of Normandy are undergoing the required modifications to comply with the new requirements as France gets ready for the EES rollout. Although holders of long-stay visas will be exempt, other travelers should brace for possible delays as the EU fortifies its border control procedures.