The European Union has once again announced the postponement of the launch of the electronic system for controlling the entry/exit of citizens from third countries. Find out whether the EES system is now set to be launched in a new date and what is known about the reasons for the delay

Legal advice for Ukrainians

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The European Union has once again postponed the introduction of a new biometric entry control system (EES) for third-country nationals. We will tell you what the reason for the postponement is and what the EU is now offering.

The European Union had planned to launch the new Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) IT border control system on 10 November. It is supposed to automatically record the entry and exit of non-EU citizens, including Ukrainians. The system is aimed at combating illegal migrants.

The EES system will not be launched on time

However, according to Euronews, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said that the system would not be launched on time. The reason is that three EU countries have admitted that they are not yet ready to switch to EES. Earlier, diplomats in Brussels said that these were Germany, France and the Netherlands.

‘We also have some concerns about the sustainability of the system,’ the European Commissioner added, suggesting a phased approach that would allow the EES to be implemented “step by step”.

It is worth noting that earlier there was information that the reasons for the delay were related to the technical difficulties of implementing and integrating the system in EU member states, as well as the need to finalise the legal framework. Many countries have not yet completed the preparation of the necessary infrastructure at their borders, making the launch impossible.

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What does this mean for Ukrainians?

Currently, Ukrainians travelling to Schengen countries with biometric passports can stay up to 90 days in each 180-day period without a visa. The absence of the EES system means that for the time being, the border crossing process remains the same as before: with manual border control.

When the EES system is introduced, Ukrainians, like other third-country nationals, will have to undergo additional biometric control at the border. This will include fingerprint scanning and photography, which may slow down the entry process. However, for law-abiding travellers, this system will not create any particular difficulties.

Passport stamps are also being cancelled, and if you refuse biometrics, you will be denied entry. In addition, minor delays at checkpoints are expected, and it is noted that border crossing time may increase by about 40 seconds while your data is being collected.

We would like to note that lawyers from Visit Ukraine are always ready to help citizens in collecting documents for entry into the country of their choice. Follow the link to get a consultation or full legal support from a specialist.

Also, don't forget that any trip abroad requires appropriate insurance. After all, this is not only an opportunity to save money in case of unforeseen situations, but also a direct requirement of the law. You can quickly and easily obtain insurance from a licensed insurance agent for traveling abroad on the Visit Ukraine portal. We offer insurance for any eventuality:

– Travel insurance for traveling in Europe;
–  Medical insurance with standard and extended coverage;
– Compulsory insurance policies “Green Card” for traveling from Ukraine by car.

Travel safely and confidently with Visit Ukraine!

We remind you! On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can find current border crossing rules and recommendations to help you plan your trip, business trip or immigration abroad:
– General rules for leaving Ukraine in 2024 and current checkpoints;

– Crossing the border with a child and the necessary documents in 2024;
– Rules for men leaving Ukraine;
– Requirements for traveling abroad with animals and rules for their importation into Europe.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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