Starting in April, new entry rules for Europe will take effect » Gazeta.kg

The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be fully implemented in the Schengen Area countries starting April 10, replacing the familiar stamps in passports. This system has been tested since October 12 of last year, and it will now change the border control process, reports TravelPulse.

What’s New for Travelers

The key innovation will be the introduction of biometric registration. Upon entry and exit, tourists will need to:

scan their fingerprints;
provide a facial photograph.

These data will be stored in a digital system and used for future trips. Europe is effectively moving away from paper stamps in passports. As the publication emphasizes, "biometric data will replace the stamps that many travelers previously collected."

Practical Application of the System

Upon first crossing of the border, registration will be required: presenting a passport and submitting biometric data - fingerprints and a facial photograph. This data will be stored in the system for three years. During subsequent visits, if a person re-enters the Schengen Area, the process will be quicker, as their data will already be in the system. Border guards will only verify the information without the need for re-registration.

However, in some cases, data may need to be collected again - for example, if the system fails to recognize them correctly.

Thus, holders of biometric passports will be able to use automatic terminals for border control (if available at the crossing point). However, it is advisable to be prepared for possible queues and other risks.