The European Commission has clarified that foreigners/non-EU citizens living in France are not covered by the EU’s new entry and exit system known as EES (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en) which is due to come into effect in May 2023.
EES allows automated passport scans at EU external borders, which will increase security and tighten up controls of the 90-day rule. The system is aimed at tourists and those making short visits to EU/France. It is not required for non-EU citizens who live in France/EU with a carte de sejour or second-home owners with visas.
The European Commission has confirmed that non-EU citizens living in France/EU will not be able to use the new automated passport gates that will be introduced with EES. The reason for this is that the automated passport gates only give the option to show a passport and it is not possible to also show a carte de séjour residency permit or a visa. The system also counts how long people have stayed in France and whether they have exceeded their 90-day limit. As residents and visa holders are exempt from the 90-day rule, they need to avoid the 90 day ‘clock’ beginning. What this means in practice is that when crossing EU boarders, holders of EU residence permits and visas must present their valid travel documents (passports) and residence permits to the border authorities at the non-automated gates.