More security: Goodbye, pass stamp: EU starts electronic border system

The EU wants to start its new electronic border system on October 12th. According to the European Commission, it provides for a comprehensive digitally grasp of non-EU citizens. To do this, this biometric data such as fingerprints and face images as well as other travel information will have to be provided. The new system is intended to replace the current system of passing. Six months until April 10, 2026 are planned as a transition period.

The aim of the new procedure is to increase security in the EU. “It enables us to record exactly when and where third-country nationals enter or leave the EU,” said the responsible EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner. This will help to identify people who cover their temporary stay, prevent irregular movements and to reduce document and identity fraud.

The EU Commission also points out that the new system should make travel-based EU citizens easier to enter and leave the EU-among other things because it enables increased use of automated border controls. The current procedure with manual stamping passports becomes superfluous.

The new electronic border system was originally supposed to start on November 10 of last year. At the time, Germany, France and the Netherlands said not to be that far. In total, 29 countries of the so-called Schengen area are now involved from October 12th. In addition to 25 EU countries, this is Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.