The Entry/Exit System (EES) at the European Union's external borders, which collects alphanumeric and biometric data from travellers from non-EU countries, will be implemented in stages starting 12 October, the Romanian Border Police announced.
"In Romania, the system will be rolled out gradually, beginning at the Midia border crossing (Constanta County), Stanca (Botosani County), Naidas (Caras-Severin County), Sighet (Maramures County) and Sibiu Airport, before being extended to other border crossing points over the following period (maximum 170 days)," the General Inspectorate of the Border Police (IGPF) stated in a press release sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday.
The system applies only to citizens of non-EU countries intending to make short stays in the EU (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
EES will record the date and place of entry and exit for non-EU citizens, collect alphanumeric and biometric data (facial image and four fingerprints), and automatically calculate the duration of the legal stay.
During a transition period of approximately six months, passports will continue to be manually stamped.
The system aims to provide safer and more efficient border control, gradually replacing manual stamping of travel documents without altering existing travel rights.
"On the first entry, after the system is activated, biometric data will be collected. On subsequent journeys, verification will be automatic, reducing waiting times at the border," shows the cited source.
Fingerprinting under the EES applies to non-EU citizens, except children under 12, individuals for whom fingerprinting is impossible, and holders of residence permits or long-stay visas issued by an EU member state.
Data will be stored for three years (or five years in cases of denied entry or overstaying), in full compliance with EU data protection legislation.
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