EU launches biometric entry system: what tourists should prepare for

According to glavcom.ua: The European Union is gradually implementing a digital border control system that will replace passport stamping with the collection of biometric data - facial recognition or fingerprints. This was reported by the European Commission, as conveyed by 'Glavkom'.

Starting from October 12, the EU will introduce a new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace passport stamping with the collection of biometric data - fingerprints or facial photos.

The innovation will apply to all citizens of countries traveling to 29 EU and Schengen zone countries for short trips. During the first crossing of the border, travelers will need to provide either fingerprints or a facial photo. All subsequent entries into the EU will be registered automatically - without a physical stamp being placed in the passport. The EES will also allow for immediate detection of whether the traveler exceeds the permitted duration of stay.

The European Commission noted that the implementation will be carried out in stages over six months. Already, scanners have been installed in the Eurostar terminal in London, and new kiosks for checking the biometrics of car, bus, and truck passengers are being built at the port of Dover.

EU initiative 'smart borders'

The EES program is part of the broader EU initiative 'smart borders'. Its goal is to expedite border crossing for frequent travelers, ensure accurate accounting of entry and exit data, and enhance control over illegal migration. The system will operate in 29 countries, including all Schengen zone states.

The European Union is implementing a digital border control system, which replaces passport stamping with biometric data. The new entry and exit system makes the border crossing process faster and more secure, simplifying the registration and accounting of data, as well as facilitating the detection of migration rule violations.