New Entry Regulations to the EU: Biometric Control Implementation
Starting from October 12, the European Union will launch a new biometric control system (EES) at the external borders of EU and Schengen zone countries. This change will affect citizens of third countries, including Ukrainians. This was confirmed by the State Border Guard Service.
What changes in EU entry rules
The new control system will be implemented gradually. It will operate at the borders with EU member countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania.
«The EES system will apply to all third-country nationals (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 reported.
Upon the launch of EES, upon first entry to the Schengen zone, individuals will need to undergo an extended registration process. This procedure will involve the collection of biometric data - facial images and four fingerprints.
However, subsequent border crossings are expected to become faster, as biometric data will be matched with 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?
Changes to border crossing rules for Ukrainians in 2025.
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will be implemented not only in EU member states but also in Schengen countries like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Exceptions have been made for Cyprus and Ireland, which are part of the EU but will not join the EES.
The system will eliminate the need for traditional passport control with stamps. Instead, the traveler registration process will be automated via self-service terminals, similar to those already used in 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 will record personal data, including biometric parameters, name, date, and place of crossing. This requires the use of biometric documents for border crossing.
The facial scanning and fingerprinting procedure will be performed once every three years. The collected data will be valid for multiple trips during this period and stored in an electronic database for three years after each journey.
