RS site would not allow me to use the initials in the title. I went to Europe in April and enrolled in the EES system. I will return to europe next week but have not read anywhere how to skip a line or what to do since I am already enrolled. I am American.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
13659 posts
If you have crossed the borders of the European countries using the EES more than once since the EES started
The photo of your face and/or your fingerprints will already be recorded in the EES. The passport control officers will only verify your fingerprints and photo, which will take less time. In rare cases, it may be necessary to collect and record your data again.
If you hold a biometric passport, you will be able to enter more quickly using the self-service system (if available at that border crossing point). If your digital file is clear of any impediments to travel, you will usually not need to go via a passport control officer.
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr/how-will-ees-work-what-new-during-border-checks
Posted by
Bend, OR
2130 posts
EES is “entry exit system” which means exactly what it says. You have to go thru the system any time you enter then again when you exit Schengen. Look for egates, they may be quicker. Being enrolled just means it should take a bit less time to go thru the process. Sorry but this is part of travel now.
Posted by
Freedonia
19200 posts
Theoretically, if you have registered you should be able to use the egates.
Theoretically.
However, it depends on where you enter and if they are ready for this. Some airports have the egates available, some don't. Some airports no longer stamp passports, some airports still do.
In other words, EES isn't working up to speed in all locations.
As an example. I entered Schengen in Vienna. No machines. Saw an officer and registered for EES. No stamp in passport.
Exited Schengen via Dusseldorf. I could use the egates but I'm not sure if that was due to EES or EasyPass. But I still had to see an officer and he took my passport to get exit stamped.
Posted by
Portsmouth
6050 posts
The term enrolment is perhaps the wrong term to use as EES is not something that you can enrol in. As has been stated earlier in the thread EES is an entry and exit system. What is supposed to happen is the first time you enter a Schengen country since EES went live you are required to submit your fingerprints and a facial picture as well as answer a few questions on the screen. Theoretically you only need to do this once but the system is all over the place. My wife, when travelling to and from Spain, can now simply use the e-gates as the Spanish authorities now have her biometric data and she no longer has to submit it however when visiting another Schengen country she has to undergo the whole process once more. This has also been the experience of my eldest son.
The system appears to work on a national level but it is apparently failing when it comes to sharing data between countries.
Posted by
SoCal and Bordeaux
2467 posts
Digital fingerprint readers work about as well as a Trabant without fuel.
For the life of me I don't understand why they didn't just go with iris recognition.
Posted by
Houston, Texas
1175 posts
Digital fingerprint readers work about as well as a Trabant without fuel.
For the life of me I don't understand why they didn't just go with iris recognition.
Probably the cost, but more than likely 29 countries trying to agree on something!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
13659 posts
For the life of me I don't understand why they didn't just go with iris recognition
Probably a lot easier to put a fingerprint reader at a level that a 4' 10" person and a 6' 2" person can both easily reach it than an eyeball reader that is as easily accessible to both.
I agree with Ed's comment on cost as well.
Posted by
Upstate NY, USA
1135 posts
Oh but they do take your photo along w fingerprints, at least in Lisbon. The machine for the photo is pretty cool, moves up and down depending on your height.
For my exit from Lisbon, they just put my passport in their machine and matched my face visually (I was with an officer, no automated machine) and I went on my way, took like 3 minutes (inbound was a very different story).
Posted by
OP
587 posts
Everyone especially us gals used to complain about how awful our Drivers License photos came out. Just think after traveling 72-18 hours what our photo looks like!
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
9471 posts
More to the point, there is no "skip the line", basically, what you do each time is approach the EES kiosk, scan your passport, then you will be directed what to do.
You may be asked to scan your fingerprints, you might be asked a few questions, then you will be directed to either the e-gates or a manned booth.
A number of places are just using manned booths, so you wait in line with everyone else. Your experience at the manned booth may be quick (scan your passport and go) or they may ask more questions.
On exit, again, either a manned booth, or an e-gate.