EU approves new entry rules: how border crossing will change
13 July 02:11
On July 8, the European Parliament finally approved the introduction of a new entry-exit system (EES) at the EU’s external borders. It should start working in the fall and cover all Schengen countries within 180 days.
This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the decision of the European Parliament.
What you need to know about the entry-exit system (EES)
The EES system will automatically record the data of third-country nationals crossing the EU border on short-term visas or under the visa-free regime. This includes name, type of document, time and place of entry or exit, as well as biometric data such as fingerprints and face photos.
“The goal is to increase security, speed up the border control process and reduce queues,” the European Parliament said.
How the system will work
- eES will be deployed for up to 180 days;
- each Schengen member state will decide when to connect;
- according to the schedule, 10% of crossings should be registered in the first 30 days, 35% – by the 90th day, and by the 170th day – all of them;
- in case of technical problems, the launch may be temporarily suspended.
Physical stamping of passports will no longer be required – all records will be kept electronically. The system will also be used by border guards of all Schengen countries in real time.
For the innovations to come into force, the decision must still be formally approved by the EU Council. After that, the document will be published in the Official Journal of the EU. Three days after publication, the law will enter into force.
Within 30 days, the eu-LISA agency will have to develop a pan-European launch plan, and member states will have to develop their national plans. Once the plans are approved, the European Commission will set a start date for the 180-day rollout period.
Ukrainians traveling to Europe on a visa-free basis will also be subject to the new system. Biometric data collection, electronic registration and the absence of passport stamps are the main changes they may face at the border in the fall.
