The Entry/Exit System (EES), which will involve fingerprinting and photography at border crossings, has already been technically established and is ready for implementation. Its activation within the Schengen Area is expected, according to the European Commission, by late 2025, as confirmed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Croatia.
With the implementation of the EES for Schengen-area countries, the process of entering for citizens, particularly from the Western Balkans – such as Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, as well as Moldova and Ukraine – will significantly change in terms of the European continent.
“As for the phased introduction of the system, its implementation depends on the decision of the European Commission. The phased introduction plan will be aligned with European guidelines, but the precise timeline has not yet been formally announced,” stated the Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
They emphasize that the EES has been tested at Croatian border crossings to ensure that all technical aspects and procedural protocols are fully operational before its implementation.
The Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs highlights that border control police officers have undergone detailed training on the system’s use, including the technical and operational aspects of the new border control procedures, which include biometric data processing.
“Croatia is fully prepared for the start of the EES operation, but the final start date and mode of operation depend on a coordinated decision at the European Union (EU) level,” the Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs stated.
Furthermore, the Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs also noted that the implementation of this system across all external borders of the EU – including land, sea, and air crossings – will play a key role in tracking the entry and exit of third-country nationals. This will significantly enhance security standards and ensure more efficient regulation of short-term stays.
As stated, every traveler from non-Schengen countries will need to provide personal information each time they cross the external borders of European countries using the EES.
Data collection
The EES collects, records, and stores data found in travel documents (full name, date of birth, etc.), the date and location of each entry and exit, a facial image, and fingerprints (known as “biometric data”), as well as whether a traveler was denied entry.
Based on the collected biometric data, biometric templates will be created and stored in the shared Biometric Matching Service.
For nationals of countries requiring a short-stay visa to enter the Schengen Area, fingerprints will already be stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) and will not be stored again in the EES.
Each traveler arriving at the EU’s external border, or the Schengen Area will need to provide their personal data as mentioned. Passport control officers will scan fingerprints and photograph individuals. This information will be recorded in a digital file.
During this process, the traveler’s passport (whether biometric or non-biometric) will not be stamped.
This border procedure can be faster if the traveler pre-registers some of their data. This primarily depends on whether specific equipment (a self-service system) is available at the border crossing or if a mobile application is available in the destination or departure country.
However, in any of the above-mentioned cases, the traveler will still encounter a passport control officer at the border.
It is important to note that if biometric data is refused, the traveler will be denied entry into European countries using the EES.
Additionally, the system will record the number of days a traveler is allowed to stay in EU territories. This can be checked through the EES or via the EES online tool.
Photo: illustration
