New EU Entry/Exit System Starts Oct. 12

New EU Entry/Exit System Starts Oct. 12

The European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) will electronically record the entry and exit of non-EU citizens at the Schengen Area's external borders. Replacing manual passport stamps, the system captures biometric data, passport details, and border crossing times to track travel and identify overstayers. It applies to short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and is designed to enhance security and improve efficiency at the border. 

Personnel assigned to the Benelux, should carry their Protocol ID for Belgium, or their Foreign National Registration Card for the Netherlands.  This shows proof of residency in the EU.

Here's what Department of War (DoW) personnel should know:

For official travel:

•  Active Duty: Show DoW ID & orders (including NATO orders)  – no passport needed for NATO countries

•  Family Members of Active-Duty Personnel: Bring sponsor’s PCS orders + Blue Special Issuance (No-Fee) Passport + Protocol ID (BE) or Foreign National Registration Card (NL) or SOFA stamp (GE).

•  DoW Civilians: Bring Maroon Special Issuance Passport + PCS orders + Protocol ID (BE) or Foreign National Registration Card (NL) or SOFA stamp (GE).

•  Family Members of DoW Civilians: Bring sponsor’s orders + Maroon Special Issuance (No-Fee) Passport + Protocol ID (BE) or Foreign National Registration Card (NL) or SOFA stamp (GE).

.  DoW Sponsored Contractors: Bring Official Travel documents (No-Fee or Tourist) Passport + Protocol ID (BE) or Foreign National Registration Card (NL) or SOFA stamp (GE).

. Family Members of DoW Contractors: Bring Official Travel documents (No-Fee or Tourist) Passport + Protocol ID (BE) or Foreign National Registration Card (NL) or SOFA stamp (GE).

For Unofficial Travel:

•  Active-Duty Service Members: Bring CAC, PCS Orders & NATO Orders bringing you to your European Country, Leave Form, and Tourist passport. Use all documents (except the tourist passport) when leaving; use the tourist passport when entering and leaving the short-stay country of destination; then use all documents (except the tourist passport) when returning.

•  DoW Civilians & Contractors, Family Members: Bring both passports – SIP and Tourist + Protocol ID (BE) or Foreign National Registration Card (NL) or SOFA stamp (GE).  Use the SIP when leaving; use the tourist passport when entering and leaving the short-stay country of destination; then use the SIP when returning.

Important Resources :

• EES Info: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr

• Electronic Foreign Clearance Guide (CAC Required): https://apacs.milcloud.mil/fcg/fcg.cfm

• U.S. State Department Travel: https://www.state.gov/travelers/