Specialist publication ETIASPro reported on 8 October that nine Schengen members, France among them, have paused full biometric enforcement of the Entry/Exit System (EES) beyond the formal flexibility deadline of 6 September. Sources in the French border-police union cited untested software integration with the PARAFE e-gate network at Charles-de-Gaulle and Orly as the main bottleneck. For foreign nationals, the freeze means longer manual stamping and data capture at French external borders, particularly at air-rail hubs like Paris Gare du Nord where EES kiosks remain inactive. Cruise terminals in Marseille and Nice have been instructed to continue using legacy passport-stamping until further notice. The delay complicates corporate travel compliance: posted workers must still track Schengen-stay days manually, and employers cannot yet rely on automated EES exit logs to evidence trips for posted-worker audits. Airlines are also concerned about potential bottlenecks when France hosts major international events next spring. The Interior Ministry has not given a new go-live date but insiders suggest a phased switch-on starting mid-November if stress tests succeed. Mobility managers should continue advising travellers to expect manual checks and retain boarding cards as proof of exit.
Source: ETIASPro
