As of October 12, the European Union is launching a new biometric control system (EES) at the external borders of EU and Schengen Zone countries. The new rules will apply to citizens of third countries, including Ukraine. This was reminded by the State Border Guard Service.
What’s new in the EU entry rules?
The new control system will be implemented gradually. It will operate at the borders with EU member states - Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania.
«The EES system will apply to all citizens of third countries (including Ukraine) crossing the external borders of the Schengen Zone for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period)», the State Border Guard Service stated.
After the launch of EES, during the first entry into the Schengen Zone, an individual will need to undergo enhanced registration. The process will include collecting biometric data - facial images and four fingerprints.
However, subsequent border crossings are expected to be faster, as biometric data will be verified against existing digital information, and the system will automatically record the date, time, and place of entry/exit.
What is the EES system and how does it work?
What changes are expected for Ukrainians in 2025.
The new Entry and Exit System (EES) will be implemented not only in EU member states but also in Schengen countries such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Cyprus and Ireland, which are part of the EU, will be exceptions and will not join the EES system.
It will eliminate traditional passport control with stamps. Instead, the traveler registration process will be automated through self-service terminals, similar to those used at airports for boarding pass checks.
Each time travelers cross the border - in either direction - they will scan their passports or other travel documents. The EES system will record personal data, including biometric parameters, name, date, and place of border crossing. This requires the use of biometric documents for border crossing.
The facial and fingerprint scanning procedure will be performed once every three years. The collected data will be valid for multiple trips during this period and will be stored in an electronic database for three years after each journey.
