Starting November 10, the European Union will introduce a new IT border control system, the Entry/Exit Scheme (EES). It will automatically record the entry and exit of non-EU citizens, including Ukrainians. Find out how this will affect the time and rules for crossing the border and who will not be able to enter the EU

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The European Commission has recently officially confirmed the launch date of the new EU Entry-Exit System (EES). In her speech at eu-LISA, European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ilva Johansson said that the EES will be launched on November 10, 2024.

“Various steps are legally required before the Commission can take a formal decision, but I am proud to announce today that November 10 is the final day,” she said.

The EU is currently completing the testing phase of the system. We will tell you how this will affect travel and what Ukrainians should be prepared for in the article below.

What is the EES system?

The EES (Entry/Exit System) in the European Union is an electronic system designed to register entries and exits of third-country nationals who are not EU citizens across the external borders of the Schengen area. The aim of the system is to improve border management, enhance security, combat illegal migration, and optimize the visa system. In addition, this system helps prevent the use of fake passports.

The main functions of the EES system are

1. Registration of entries and exits: The system records data on the entry and exit of travelers, including the date, place of border crossing, and information on the document used to cross the border.

2. Calculation of the time of stay: EES automatically calculates how long a traveler stays in the Schengen area, which helps to comply with the rules regarding the maximum length of stay (e.g. 90 days within a 180-day period).

3. Detection of violations: The system allows to automatically detect cases of overstaying in the Schengen area, which facilitates the work of border guards and prevents violations.

4. Information exchange: The EES system is integrated with other EU databases, such as the Visa Information System (VIS) and the EU Citizenship Data System (SIS), which provides a complete and accurate understanding of the movements of third-country nationals.

Thus, the system aims to modernize border management, prevent illegal migration to the bloc and protect European citizens. The EES will also help to identify people who are in the EU and those who are trying to enter the EU with forged documents.

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What will change for Ukrainians on November 10? New rules for crossing the border with the EU under the EES system

According to the government's official Telegram channel, visa-free travel for Ukrainians is not canceled and no additional fees are introduced, but after the system is launched, the approach to document verification will change.

So, starting November 10, all foreign citizens, including Ukrainians, will have to submit biometric data and thereby register in the system (regardless of whether they enter on a visa or visa-free). All citizens will have to undergo face and fingerprint scanning. Travelers' data will be stored in a secure database for three years. This means that travelers will not have to go through the registration process every time they enter and leave the block. For subsequent border crossings, travelers will only need to scan their passports at self-service terminals.

At the same time, you need to keep in mind that there will be no more stamps in your passport, 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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