Since October 12th 2025, travelers experience a new process when crossing the borders of Schengen countries. Each traveler from outside the EU needs to register, and on each border crossing a registered person will be confirmed only with a photo of the person in person.
The EES system procedure is simple in theory – the passport is handed over at the checkpoint, then a facial scan is performed and four fingerprints from the right hand are left.
Upon the first arrival after the system is launched, two biometric data are taken, a facial image and fingerprints, and on all subsequent arrivals, verification is performed with one biometric parameter, which is the facial image, upon entry and exit.
There is a “Travel to Europe“-App where passengers can pre-register their passport, facial image and the entry conditions questionnaire in advance, but it cannot be universally used.
The system will be introduced gradually till April 10, 2026. Mainly airports, sea ports and some international train stations are already equipped.
Airports report that waiting times at border controls increase by 70 % due up to three hours to the new system. Travelers need to plan more time in advance to reach their flights or to cross borders by bus, car or train.
In addition, ETIAS Electronic Travel authorization system will be introduced probably in 2026. ETIAS is a travel authorization that is obtained in advance and is valid for citizens of countries that do not require a visa. The cost will be around 20 €. An ETIAS permit is valid for up to three years or until the expiration of the passport, whichever comes first.
Faktor.mk: How does the new EU border crossing system work?
Faktor.mk: ETIAS EU Travel authorisation system
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