A New Border Crossing System Launched in the EU 0 10

The border crossing system without a passport stamp has fully launched in the EU. The electronic Entry Exit System (EES) was developed over 10 years and began operating in test mode on October 12, reports Deutsche Welle.

On April 10, it was fully launched at the external borders of all 29 Schengen Area countries, according to the European Commission's press service. The system will replace manual passport stamps with digital registration and will directly affect every traveler from non-EU countries, including tourists, business travelers, and transit passengers.

During the six-month testing of the system, 27,000 third-country nationals were denied entry to the European Union. Of these, nearly 700 individuals were identified as posing a security threat to the community. Over the specified period, more than 52 million entries and exits were recorded. This refers to those traveling to one or more of the 29 European countries for short stays.

All EU countries participate in the EES, except for Ireland and Cyprus, as well as non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Checks are conducted at international airports, railway stations, car border crossings, and seaports. The rule does not apply to third-country nationals holding residence permits in Schengen Area countries.

During the first contact with the new system, individuals are required to take a photo and provide fingerprints. This will create a digital record, which will also include passport data. When crossing the Schengen Area border subsequently, biometric data will be matched with this record. Children under 12 do not need to provide fingerprints. Registration must be done either at special EES terminals or at border kiosks that will read passport data and collect biometric data from passengers. Only holders of biometric passports will be able to use the kiosks.