The European Union is preparing to launch an innovative Entry/Exit System (EES), which will change the border crossing process for citizens of third countries, including Ukrainian citizens, starting from October 12.
This is reported by Finway
What Will Change for Ukrainians
From now on, short-term trips to Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period will be monitored through digital registration instead of traditional passport stamps. The automated EES database will record all crossings of the EU’s external borders, capturing travelers’ biometric and passport data.
“EES is an automated database that will record all crossings of the EU’s external borders by citizens of third countries, including Ukraine.”
According to the new rules, during border crossings, individuals aged 12 and older will have their facial photographs taken, fingerprints of four fingers collected, foreign passport information recorded, as well as the date and place of entry or exit, and instances of entry denial. Refusal to provide biometric data will become a legal basis for denying entry to the EU.
Procedure Features and System Benefits
The procedure requires that all passengers in vehicles exit for biometric identification. For train travel, the procedure may vary depending on the specific border crossing point. This innovation aims to enhance control over compliance with stay regulations in the EU, prevent document forgery, and improve overall security within the Schengen Area.
The EES will cover 29 European countries and will replace paper records of border crossings with automated biometric data collection, simplifying control and making the crossing process more convenient and secure.