The Embassy of Ukraine in Poland reminded that from October 12, the European Union is launching an IT-system for entry/exit (Entry/Exit System — EES), which will change the rules for crossing the border, in particular for Ukrainians. The new rules provide for mandatory biometric control for citizens of non-EU countries.
The Embassy of Ukraine in Poland reminded that from October 12, the European Union is launching an IT-system for entry/exit (Entry/Exit System — EES), which will change the rules for crossing the border, in particular for Ukrainians. The new rules provide for mandatory biometric control for citizens of non-EU countries.
The EES is an automated IT system for registering travellers from third countries, both holders of short-stay visas (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) and travellers not requiring a visa, every time they cross the EU’s external border.
The system will record the person’s name, type of travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), as well as the date and place of entry and exit, in full compliance with fundamental rights and data protection. It will also record cases of refusal of entry.
The EES will replace the system of manually stamping passports, which has been described as «labor-intensive» and «unreliable.» The new system should more effectively monitor compliance with EU residence rules and prevent the use of forged documents.
The Embassy of Ukraine in Poland indicates that all passengers of vehicles must exit the vehicle to undergo biometrics. When traveling by rail, the procedure will depend on the checkpoint and may differ.
Refusal to provide biometric data will provide legal grounds for refusal of entry.
The intention to implement the Entry/Exit System has been known for a long time, but the launch has been postponed several times. Initially, it was planned to be done in 2022, then in May 2023, and finally in November 2024.
