The European Union's (EES) digital border control system identified more than 4.000 cases of overstaying in its first four months of operation.
According to a senior European Commission official, approximately 17 million travelers and 30 million border crossings have been recorded since the launch of the European Union's Entry and Exit System on October 12, 2024.
During a hearing at the European Parliament, Henrik Nielsen, director for Schengen, borders and visas at the Commission, stated that the countries of Schengen Area They recorded approximately 16.000 refusals of entry during that period.
Of these, "a little over 4.000" occurred due to overstaying, referring to travelers who violated the rule that allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
90 day rule
The EES was created to reinforce control over the so-called 90-day rule.
The system automatically calculates the permitted stay based on entry and exit dates. Anyone who exceeds the limit is flagged on their next attempt to cross an external border.
Penalties may include fines and a re-entry ban.
Other irregularities
In addition to cases of overstaying, there were refusals related to identity fraud, use of false documents, and attempts to enter or leave with different passports.
A case of human trafficking was also identified.
The parliamentary committee was evaluating the initial phase of the system's implementation.
Gradual implementation
The implementation is happening gradually. Currently, member states must register at least 35% of crossings. By March 10th, the minimum percentage will rise to 50%. In April, it should reach 100%.
Starting in April, the manual stamping of passports will be discontinued. An online tool will allow travelers to check how many days they have already used out of the 90-day limit within 180 days.
After April, countries will have a three-month transition period to temporarily suspend the collection of biometric data, if necessary, in order to reduce queues.
Technical problems
Nielsen stated that three countries failed to meet the minimum target due to "technical problems at the national level."
Other difficulties involve the “registration of biometric data [of visitors]” because of “equipment installed at border crossing points in Member States… not always up to standard or functioning correctly”.
The Commission is also "closely monitoring" waiting times at some locations, especially during peak periods.
According to Nielsen, part of the solution may lie in increasing self-service kiosks and automated gates, a national investment that "remains eligible for EU funding."
He further stated that, at this time, the Commission has “no plans to propose any changes or extensions to the flexibility” granted to Member States.
Regarding the transition period, he stated that "in some circumstances, these exceptions... can also be extended until September, so we understand that... with these possible exceptions, Member States should also be able to cope with the travel peaks that may occur during the summer."
Technical evaluation
Tillmann Keber, executive director of eu-LISA, the agency responsible for the IT system, stated that "overall, the [EES] go-live was very smooth and successful at the central level" and that "the system is now in normal operational mode, from a technical point of view, and fully stabilized."
Nielsen also acknowledged that applying the rule is not "an easy matter... because so far... member states are very firm in saying that they do not want to change the basic 90-day rule to 180 days."
The EES applies only to the external borders of the Schengen Area. It does not affect internal travel between countries within the bloc.
Citizens of the European Union are not affected. Biometric registration is required for nationals of third countries upon first entry.
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