EU to Fully Implement New Digital Entry/Exit System at Borders

Kathmandu. The European Union (EU) aims to fully implement its new digital border system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), starting Friday. 

Under this system, travelers will be required to register their fingerprints and photos alongside passport scans. The system is planned for implementation across all border crossings within the 29-country Schengen Area.

The EES system began a phased rollout on October 12, but technical issues have prevented it from becoming fully operational in all locations. 

The primary objective is to digitally record the entry and exit times of travelers from outside the EU, including those from the UK. This will replace the traditional passport stamping system. The system has already caused long queues at some European airports, with warnings of further delays during peak holiday periods.

Travelers at popular destinations like Geneva have already experienced hours-long waits. According to travel experts, IT-related issues in some locations have hindered the smooth operation of the system, causing additional inconvenience to passengers. However, the European Commission has stated that checks can be temporarily suspended if necessary to manage congestion.

It has also been clarified that the system will not be implemented simultaneously at all airports starting Friday. Airports in Milan and Lisbon have indicated they will not immediately implement the system in full. With the new arrangements in place, travelers visiting Europe should prepare for additional time and processing requirements.