Changes to Passport Control for Non-EU Nationals in Schengen Zone
Beginning April 10, non-EU nationals will encounter longer processing times at passport control as they will be required to provide biometric data via self-service kiosks or at controlled checkpoints. This update affects travelers at airports, ports, and international rail terminals within the Schengen zone, which includes EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, reports 24brussels.
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) mandates that these individuals submit their fingerprints and have their photographs taken. Once registered, travelers will not need to repeat the process during subsequent internal border crossings, as their data will be stored and used for tracking entries and exits digitally.
Biometric data collected will be retained within the EES for a period of three years, extendable to five years if travelers do not exit the Schengen area within the initial period. This move is designed to enhance border security and streamline the migration process.
The EES is set to replace the existing system of manual passport stamping, which has proven inadequate for automatic detection of individuals overstaying their visa allowance of 90 days within 180 days.
“The Entry/Exit System is the digital backbone of our new common European migration and asylum framework,” said Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner. This system aims to improve efficiency and security across the Schengen zone.
During the initial six months of implementation, travelers may experience both the traditional passport checks and the new EES processes, as the transition period will allow both systems to operate concurrently until full adoption is achieved.
