FYI—Video showing Entry/Exit System (EES) machines

Thanks for this Carrie. I'm fingerprinted frequently for my job and often have issues with a few fingers, but it looked like that shouldn't be a problem for EES.

Thank you for sharing! A useful video for those of us who have not yet been through this process, and Simon handles it with aplomb and good humor.

I've shared this video, and a couple others in discussions previously. I do feel I need to add the comment about the questions asked, and the procedure.

He checked boxes indicating that he had a return ticket, maybe proof of accommodation, and financial means, these are all requirements for entry, so leave one of those unchecked, you might get more questions, or be required to go to a manual booth.

He was also separately asked if he had "Travel Insurance". In another video he did, at St. Pancras station, the quest was about Health insurance. I think as a result of translation, the concern is not that you have insurance to cover trip issues, but obviously health insurance, which also is a requirement for entry. That can be your US health coverage, but not Medicare, unless you have a specific supplement that provides that, or of course travel/medical insurance.

I also suspect (in seeing a number of these videos) that the questions are multi-layered, meaning if you answer a way that is maybe an issue, a follow-up question is asked to clarify.

If you do answer questions "wrong" or lacking, you are not automatically booted, but will be directed to an immigration officer to resolve.

Thank you for this. It is always nice to know what to expect. We will be using this soon!

obviously health insurance, which also is a requirement for entry.

Proof of medical insurance is NOT required, although it is recommended, for visa-free third country nationals.

See Article 6: Entry conditions for third-country nationals:

1. For intended stays on the territory of the Member States of a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period, which entails considering the 180-day period preceding each day of stay, the entry conditions for third-country nationals shall be the following: (a) they are in possession of a valid travel document entitling the holder to cross the border satisfying the following criteria: (i) its validity shall extend at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Member States. In a justified case of emergency, this obligation may be waived; (ii) it shall have been issued within the previous 10 years;

(b) they are in possession of a valid visa, if required pursuant to
Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 (25), except where they hold a
valid residence permit or a valid long-stay visa;

(c) they justify the purpose and conditions of the intended stay, and
they have sufficient means of subsistence, both for the duration of
the intended stay and for the return to their country of origin or
transit to a third country into which they are certain to be admitted,
or are in a position to acquire such means lawfully;

(d) they are not persons for whom an alert has been issued in the SIS
for the purposes of refusing entry;

(e) they are not considered to be a threat to public policy, internal
security, public health or the international relations of any of the
Member States, in particular where no alert has been issued in Member
States’ national data bases for the purposes of refusing entry on the
same grounds.

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/399/oj/eng

Insurance becomes compulsory only when applying for a Schengen visa under the EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009).

Thanks, this is a helpful video - although I wish myself luck remembering my return date when I arrive sleep deprived and frazzled 😆

Carrie, this information regarding insurance seems to conflict with the French government website.

Arrival in France

Your arrival in France

Whether or not you need a visa, entry into the Schengen area of third-country nationals must comply with a certain number of conditions, as provided for by the European and national regulations in force.

Documents to be presented on arrival in France

The following supporting documents must be presented at the request of the Border Police upon your arrival in France:

A valid passport issued less than 10 years before and valid for at least 3 months after the envisaged departure date;

A valid visa, if required;

Proof of accommodation covering the whole duration of the stay (hotel reservation and/or certificate of staying with a relative validated in the town hall);

Sufficient financial means. The means of subsistence shall be assessed according to the duration and purpose of the stay and by reference to the average prices for accommodation and food in the Member States;

Your return ticket or the financial means to acquire one at the envisaged return date;

Any document providing details on the profession or the capacity of the traveller as well as on the establishments or organisations located in France which are expecting you, if you are on a professional trip.

You must have an insurance certificate covering all medical and hospital expenses for which you may be liable for the duration of your stay in France, as well as medical repatriation costs and expenses in the event of death.

This is great information and I will bookmark for future use. You Tube videos are so helpful for getting familiar with new requirements. It helps one 'sail' right through.

Hi jeanm, It is confusing because the arrival in France website seems to have lumped together the requirements for visa holders and non visa holders.

So what you are saying is that no country can have a more stringent requirement than the Schengen requirement? One source, but not a very reliable source, says:

• France: National regulations officially state that all travelers should have a valid policy, and border agents are legally entitled to ask for proof.
• Latvia: Entry requirements stipulate that all travelers must have health insurance covering at least €30,000.
• Germany: While not always checked for visa-exempt travelers, it is listed as an entry requirement, and border officers may ask to see it.
  

I think I will trust the forum to be more accurate.

EDIT: I got curious so I checked the IATA and they say: Insurance: Visitors must have medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000, based on the parameters RoundTrip, 30 Days, Tourism, US Citizen, CDG Destination.

So what you are saying is that no country can have a more stringent
requirement than the Schengen requirement?

No, I did not say that. I posted the relevant law from the EU. And yes, generally, EU law takes precedence over the laws of its member states.

In honoring the forum rules prohibiting legal advice, I will suggest that if anyone has a serious legal question regarding the law, they consult an attorney outside of the forum.

My intent on posting the video was to give others a heads-up on what to expect when using the new EES machines, not to start a debate on international law. :-) I hope some have found the video helpful.

Carrie, thank you for the video. Its always 100% easier when you know what you are about to walk into. Incrediably helpful.

And I didnt trust my source. I ran Germany and Lativa through the IATA and neither came up with a medical insurance requirement. Doesnt mean the source was wrong, just that some things are not easy to figure out.

Thanks, this is a helpful video - although I wish myself luck remembering my return date when I arrive sleep deprived and frazzled

Hahahahaha!!!! Thanks for the laugh, Mary!!!

Quote from Google search:

Moisturizing your fingers in the days leading up to a fingerprinting appointment helps immensely, especially if you have dry, calloused, or worn skin. Consistently using lotion for 2-3 days prior improves ridge visibility, but you should not apply lotion right before as it can cause smudging and create residue.

I had to give my electronic fingerprints for my residency a new months ago. The mschine wouldn't read them. I had to sign a bunch of papers instead. So I am not looking forward to that part.

Yikes. Machines always have a hard time reading my fingerprint. I guess some travel size hand lotion will be in my purse to help expedite process.
Are there staff around to help with machines if they can’t take my fingerprints?

That fingerprint question would be mine as well! My school district started requiring them before I retired and the machine had a hard time reading mine the first time around.