ETIAS & EES likely delayed until after Paris 2024 Olympics
The introduction of the EU's new entry and exit systems—ETIAS and EES—faces potential delay until after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games conclude.
We recently covered the new formalities for entering and exiting Europe, whether you’re a European citizen or a visitor previously exempt from visa requirements. Their implementation may once again be delayed.
With next year’s Olympic Games set to take place in the French capital, whispers suggest a postponement of the ETIAS and EES (Entry/Exit System) until after summer 2024. The Paris Olympics are due to conclude on 11 August 2024, and the Paralympics on 8 September.
At rollout, travellers will need time to adapt to the new system, likely leading to extended queues at airports—especially since UK nationals will now be subject to ETIAS, having left the Schengen Area.
The EES will apply to all third-country nationals visiting the Schengen Zone, visa-exempt or not. The system will collect fingerprints and facial biometrics to build a profile for every third-country visitor.
eu-LISA, the EU agency responsible for operating large-scale IT systems in security and justice, has confirmed that an EES launch date has yet to be set and noted that a timeline will be announced in the coming months.