EU tightens entry rules to the Schengen Area: What changes for Ukrainians.

The European Union is introducing a new algorithm for tracking individuals entering the Schengen Area.

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will automatically record the entry and exit of all foreign nationals in the countries of the Schengen Area. The system will collect biometric data of travelers, such as fingerprints and facial photos, and store them for three years.

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will automatically record the entry and exit of all foreign nationals (non-EU citizens, including Ukrainians) in the countries of the Schengen Area. The system will simultaneously collect biometric data of travelers, such as fingerprints and facial photos, and store them for three years.

Registration is done through self-service terminals. Crossing the border can take up to 40 seconds to collect biometric data. EES will also record cases of entry refusals.

The government emphasizes that visa-free travel will not be revoked and no additional fees will be charged. Only the methods for document verification will change. Instead of stamps in the passport, facial scans and fingerprints will now be used.

The mechanism involves scanning the biometric passport at a special self-service kiosk.

Note that this regulation does not apply to EU citizens and individuals with long-term visas.

• EU citizens;
• EU residents;
• Individuals with long-term visas.

Others will only have to cross the border with this system. EES will enhance security in EU countries and prevent illegal stays of refugees and travelers. The system will collect data on the entry and exit dates of travelers.

Every three years, users of the system will need to update their biometric data. This is to prevent the use of counterfeit biometric passports.

The implementation of the EES system was scheduled for November 10, 2024, however, a delay has been announced. The system could be operational later this year or in 2025, according to estimates.

President Zelensky commented on the return of Ukrainians from abroad.