From November 10, 2024, a new automated Entry Exit System (EES) will be introduced in 29 European countries, which will register short-term trips of citizens of third countries, including Ukraine. About this informs Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
According to the report, the new system does not provide for additional fees or complications for the entry of Ukrainians into the EU. The procedure for visa-free entry remains unchanged, and any additional fees are currently not expected.
EES will start operating in countries such as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
This system will record passport details, the date and place of each entry and exit, as well as biometric information such as fingerprints and facial images. If someone is refused entry, this information will also be registered in the system.
Thanks to the EES, EU border guards will no longer put entry and exit stamps in passports. All information will be automatically stored in the database. For the convenience of collecting biometric data, self-service terminals will be installed at the borders.
An online service will also be available in the new system, which will replace the Schengen calculator and allow travelers to check the number of unused days of stay in the Schengen area.
Previously, it was reported about the possibility of introducing a mandatory fee for entering the EU for Ukrainians, but at this stage, the details of this issue have not been specified.
