The Entry/Exit System (EES), which will incorporate biometric data collection and photography at border points, has been technically established and is set for execution. The European Commission anticipates its launch within the Schengen Area by late 2025, as per confirmation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Croatia.
With the EES coming into effect for Schengen nations, the entry process for citizens, especially from the Western Balkans – including Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, along with Moldova and Ukraine – will undergo significant alterations regarding the European continent.
“On the matter of gradual system introduction, its execution is contingent on the decision made by the European Commission. The implementation timeline will adhere to European standards, although a specific date has yet to be officially disclosed,” remarked the Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
They stress that the EES has been trialed at Croatian borders to confirm that all technical components and procedural guidelines are functioning before it becomes operational.
The Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs points out that border patrol officers have received comprehensive training regarding the system’s operation, which encompasses both the technical and procedural elements of the new border management methods, inclusive of biometric data handling.
“Croatia is completely ready for the commencement of EES operations, but the official launch date and manner of execution rely on a coordinated resolution at the European Union (EU) level,” stated the Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Moreover, the Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs mentioned that the rollout of this system across all external EU borders – spanning land, maritime, and aerial crossings – will be pivotal in tracking the entrance and exit of nationals from third countries. This will substantially elevate safety standards and ensure a more effective management of short-term visits.
As indicated, every traveler from non-Schengen nations will be required to submit personal details whenever they cross the external borders of European countries utilizing the EES.
Data collection
The EES gathers, logs, and preserves data found in travel documents (complete name, birth date, etc.), including the date and location of every entry and exit, a facial photograph, and fingerprints (referred to as “biometric data”), along with whether entry was denied for a traveler.
From the collected biometric data, templates will be generated and stored within the shared Biometric Matching Service.
For citizens from nations needing a short-stay visa to access the Schengen Area, fingerprints will already be maintained in the Visa Information System (VIS) and will not be duplicated in the EES.
Every traveler entering the EU’s external borders, or the Schengen Area, will need to provide their mentioned personal details. Passport control officers will take fingerprints and photograph individuals. This information will be documented in a digital record.
Throughout this procedure, the traveler’s passport (biometric or otherwise) will not receive a stamp.
This border procedure may proceed more quickly if the traveler pre-logs certain data. This mainly depends on the availability of specific equipment (a self-service system) at the border checkpoint or if a mobile app is accessible in the country of origin or destination.
Nevertheless, regardless of the situations described above, the traveler will still interact with a passport control officer at the border.
It is crucial to understand that should biometric data be declined, the traveler will be refused entrance into European nations utilizing the EES.
Additionally, the system will keep track of how many days a traveler is permitted to remain in EU territories. This can be verified through the EES or the EES online resource.
Photo: illustration