The European Union is introducing a new biometric border control system starting October 12.
The EU is initiating a phased rollout of the digital Entry/Exit System (EES) at external borders, including those with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. The EES will apply to all third-country nationals, including those from Ukraine, crossing the Schengen Area borders for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
The system will automatically record the date, time, and place of entry and exit, replacing passport stamps. During the first entry, biometric data such as facial photos and fingerprints will be registered. Subsequently, the control process will become faster thanks to electronic data verification.
The European Commission plans a six-month transitional period for the full implementation of the system. “The aim of EES is to speed up controls, enhance security, and prevent overstays,” according to the European Commission. Citizens are urged to consider these changes when planning their trips.