The introduction of the new Entry/Exit system (EES) at the external borders of the European Union in the past seven days has caused noticeable crowds, especially at the crossings to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where longer delays of passengers have been recorded.
Waiting times are more frequent in the morning hours, when the system is activated in a limited time frame, and according to information from BIHAMK, the longest waiting times in recent days were recorded at the Izačić, Velika Kladuša, Gradina, Gradiška and Kozarska Dubica crossings.
The application of EES officially started on October 12, 2025 in 29 European countries, including Croatia, with the aim of modernizing border control and increasing security. The system digitally records the entry and exit of third-country nationals, including passport data, fingerprints and facial images.
The Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Croatia told Feni that in the initial phase the EES system at the international border crossings towards Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro is applied for a limited time, with a plan to gradually expand it to 24-hour application.
Travelers who enter the Schengen area for the first time, and do not have a personal EES file, must go through additional controls, including taking biometric data – fingerprints and facial images – which slows down the border crossing.
The Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs says that in the initial period somewhat longer detentions can be expected, but after the creation of the first EES files, the time of border control should be gradually reduced.
The exact duration of border control cannot be determined in advance because it depends on several factors, such as the cooperation of passengers or the quality of biometric features (for example, the clarity of papillary lines), the MUP stated.
As for the cooperation with the police bodies of neighboring countries – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro – the Croatian MUP states that it is continuous and aimed at coordinated action in order to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and avoid the creation of unnecessary crowds.
When it comes to air traffic, EES self-service kiosks have been installed in major airports in the Republic of Croatia, which serve as an additional tool for speeding up the passenger registration process.
BiH citizens can use the application for easier border crossing
The Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina told Feni that the implementation of the EES system is fully within the competence of the European Union.
“Even though the EES system will not be implemented on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Border Police of BiH actively monitors the development of the situation and cooperates with the relevant institutions of the EU and the border services of the neighboring countries”, they stated from BiH police agencies.
The police agency reminds the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina that the mobile application “Travel to Europe” is available to them. The application is designed to assist third-country nationals travelling to the Schengen area for short stays, providing clear information on the new border control rules, required documents, biometric procedures and the rights and obligations of travellers.
The application will not be available at all border crossings, but only at selected major travel hubs, with the aim of reducing processing times at the border.
Its use remains voluntary, both for the EU member states and for the travellers themselves. The application does not replace standard border controls, but makes them simpler and more efficient, the BiH Border Police stated.
