We flew back through Nice yesterday. 10:15 flight.
We had used e gates- no finger prints - on arrival in Paris last week. We assumed EES would be operational in Nice yesterday due to the announcement about that resuming on Sept 6th. So we allotted lots of time. It was not and we just used e gates upon departure. Arrived at airport at 7:33. At gate by 8:17.
Well, you experienced EES whether you know it or not. Many people seemed to be confused as to what "EES" is, it is just the electronic entry and exit system, and can take many forms. The main idea is to electronically record your passport scan, and then usually some secondary method (face recognition, fingerprint, visual by an officer) of verifying that the person holding your passport is you.
For the most part, what you can expect on exit most of the time is the use of an e-gate, you scan your passport, there is a camera recording you, you might have to look at a camera, and out you go, no stamp, all electronic. The e-gates can also ask for a fingerprint scan (but usually not). Conversely, I have also been processed manually, by a person, where they scanned my passport, they had the capability to take a picture or scan fingerprints, but did not need to do it, and that was still EES.
But that is part of the point, even if you walk up a desk, and they scan your passport...thats EES. All EES is, is the electronic recording of your entry and exit. The kiosks, e-gates, and other features are just for automation, while enhancing security.
Interesting. This website, as well as others mentioned the fingerprints being a necessary part of the new process. So without them, I assumed it was not EES. Good to know.
