New border rules with Poland: what awaits Ukrainians from November 3

According to customs officials, the implementation of the system may lead to an increase in the time required for control procedures. It is recommended to plan trips with more time or choose alternative checkpoints. On October 12, new rules for crossing external borders came into effect in the European Union, which concern citizens from third countries, including Ukraine. The introduction of the Entry and Exit System (EES) simplifies the procedure for recording travelers' biometric data, replacing traditional stamps in passports with electronic accounting.

According to glavcom.ua: At the checkpoints 'Yahodyn - Dorohusk' and 'Ustyluh - Zosin', movement may slow down due to the introduction of a digital Entry/Exit System to the Schengen area. The innovation requires mandatory registration of travelers with biometric data, which may temporarily increase the time taken for control. This is reported by 'Glavkom' referring to the State Customs Service.

«Starting from November 3, 2025, all travelers crossing the border through the specified checkpoints from the Polish side must undergo an initial registration at a self-service terminal or with a border guard. This involves passport scanning and collection of biometric data: photography and fingerprinting. For children under 12 years old, fingerprints are not required. During subsequent entries, biometric data will be compared with the already available digital information of Schengen», - the message says.

The message talks about the introduction of new requirements for travelers at the borders with the Schengen area, which require mandatory registration with biometric data. Increased waiting times in several control procedures may lead to slowdowns at the checkpoints. Citizens are advised to choose alternative routes or plan their trips with additional time in mind.