At the border checkpoints in the Lviv region, there is an increased accumulation of vehicles. The traffic intensity is driven by the weekend and the start of autumn holidays, while the prolonged waiting is due to the implementation of the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which records crossings of the external borders of the Schengen area without stamping passports.
The EES system is already fully operational at the Polish checkpoints ‘Medika’ and ‘Korczowa’ and the railway ‘Przemyu015Bl’, while at other checkpoints bordering the Lviv region, it is currently operating in a test mode.
During the first entry into the EU countries after the launch of EES, citizens undergo an extended registration, which includes facial photographing and taking four fingerprints. This procedure applies to citizens aged 12 and over and requires additional time, affecting the processing speed of travelers.
The EES system will apply to all third-country nationals, including Ukraine, crossing the Schengen’s external borders for short-term stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
Previously, the European Commission announced the gradual implementation of EES: the border services of EU member states will introduce the system step-by-step over a six-month transition period.
Meanwhile, the 7th Border Carpathian Detachment is closely coordinating with the border agency of the neighboring state to coordinate actions and promptly respond to changes related to the introduction of the new system.
Current information about the border situation can be tracked on the official pages: Western Regional Department of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine-Western Border and the 7th Border Carpathian Detachment.
As of 10:00 AM, the following number of vehicles are waiting to leave Ukraine: ‘Krakivets’ – 115 cars; ‘Hruszu00F3w’ – 90 cars; ‘Uhryniv’ – 75 cars; ‘Shehyni’ – 70 cars; ‘Nyzhankovychi’ – 40 cars; ‘Rava-Ruska’ – 40 cars; ‘Smilnytsia’ – 30 cars.