New protocols traveling to Paris?

JR...lots of discussions already on this forum re EES. Just put EES in the search bar, filter for "forum", then "6 months or less".

I did read those. So I am guessing its a mixed bag as to whether to expect the EES to be operational.

I remember several years ago we flew in to CDG for a connection to Nice, and when we went through immigration the did the whole facial recognition then you had to scan your passport. No one stamped anything. Just wondering if travelers recently run into the EES, and wondered what PARAFE is all about. While I have Global Entry (I know it's only for entering the U.S.) my partner and his son do not. I am reading that Global Entry has a mobile app that lets you bypass the kiosk when re-entering, and wondered if they could use the Mobile Passport Control. Not sure exactly what that is. Just trying to streamline whatever we can.

JR, per this recent post it sounds like it is being phased in at CDG. Some arrival terminals are using it. Some are not. If you read the post you'll see different experiences by terminal. Your not leaving for 2 weeks. Expect more changes.

It is probably hit or miss as to whether you will need to initiate EES when you arrive. I suppose it depends on whether things are going well, how busy, etc.

Basically, there is nothing you need to do ahead, you just land, proceed to immigration, if they are operating EES, you will be directed there, or you might be directed to a manual line.

As for how the system actually works, here is a short, but I think pretty good video of a guy going through...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaiszoFXinM

My only comment regards the very last question he answered, it asks "Do you have travel insurance?" My interpretation is that may be a bit of something lost in translation, I think they are asking if you have some type of medical coverage, either by your own policy or a travel policy. Or at least, since my insurance covers costs overseas, I would answer yes. I do not believe they are concerned that if I had to cancel my trip, would my hotel or train ticket I bought be compensated.

Note that the system likely has some intelligent questioning. By that, I mean if you scan a particular passport, the questions may be different. If you answer a question one way or another, maybe a clarifying question is asked.

I assume if you answer a question, that it does not like the response, you are directed to an immigration officer to resolve.

"So I am guessing its a mixed bag as to whether to expect the EES to be operational"

I think this is the case. Haven't flown in to CDG since last October but on that linked thread Kim who lives in Paris answered and she's had a number of trips back to the US in recent months so has the most consistent experience.

There is nothing new since 2022 except the electronic stuff which is not fully operational. BTW I used the facial recognition in 2022 when I transited from 2E to 2F but have never been in a line that used it for 2E immigration.

IF you are taking a taxi, for the Olympics, at least in 2E, there are big blue circles on the floor that point you to a taxi but there are still the scammers that come up to you as you exit the Customs area.

Thanks for the links all. @Paul, that video was useful and reassuring. @Pam That was when I used the facial recognition as well. Transitioning from one from 2E to 2F. I wonder if the info stays stored in the system.

Regarding facial recognition.

Many EU airports have used facial recognition for years, that is not EES. Your passport contains a chip, and from that they can get your passport photo. When you scan your passport, either reading the chip or scanning the info page, the system compares that photo with picture from the camera using facial recognition. It just eases the checking of passports, no need to store information or share with other entities, just a green/red indicator.

With EES, much the same will happen, but the info, and details on your entrance and exit are sent to a central database accessible to all border personnel and other authorities across the Schengen zone. EES will also record your fingerprints, or at least some of them, for future reference.

It is that integrated system that is EES, and as you can imagine, implementing that across 29 sovereign countries, each having to wrangle funding and complete timelines, each with potentially dozens of international ports of entry, including by air, land, and sea, is a statistical nightmare.

@Paul. Thanks for explaining that. Makes perfect sense now.

It seems from the info that Tocard and I have collected that:

Arrive into Terminal 2E (Delta, Air France, KLM): No EES yet.

Arrive into Terminal 1 (United, Lufthansa): EES in place.

Thank you Kim. Looks like we won't be dealing with EES just quite yet then!