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A biometric EES system has started operating at the border with Romania

На кордоні з Румунією запущена система біометричного контролю. Photo: Держприкордонслужба

The biometric control system EES has officially started operating on the Romanian direction, which automatically records all entries and exits of third-country citizens into the Schengen area. This was reported by the State Border Guard Service. 

The new rules are already in effect at several border crossing points, and their connection will continue until spring 2026.

EES system at the border with Romania

 

The State Border Guard Service reported that EES operates at the following points:

  • Dyakivtsi – Rakovtsi;

  • Krasniylsk – Viko de Sus;

  • Dyakove – Halmeu.

It is also known that:

  • Porubne – Siret will be connected on January 9, 2026;

  • Solotvyno – Sighetu Marmației has been operating under the new rules since October 12, 2025;

  • all other points in Romania will be connected to the system from March 10, 2026.

EES provides for the creation of a digital record upon the first crossing of the border. Then the system will automatically compare the data of each traveler.

How the biometric system works

The EES procedure includes:

  • passport scanning;

  • photographing;

  • fingerprint collection for third-country citizens (without this for children under 12 years old).

EES speeds up document checks, enhances security, and ensures accurate tracking of foreigners' stay in the EU. Importantly, the crossing procedure for citizens does not change – passport control remains as before.

What changes for Ukrainians

The implementation of EES means that stamps will no longer be placed in passports. All trips to the Schengen area will be automatically recorded in a common electronic database. This applies to Ukrainians who enter without a visa or with a short-stay visa for up to 90 days within 180 days. The collection of biometrics is now mandatory for each border crossing.

We previously reported that all border crossing points in Poland and Hungary have launched a biometric EES system.