Photo: depositphotos
Traffic has slowed and waiting times have increased at the Krakivets border crossing with Poland due to the launch of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which records data on border crossings in a digital format, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reported.
Border officials warn that travelers should expect longer queues and plan their trips accordingly, as the new system is being implemented across external borders of the Schengen Area. As of the afternoon of October 20, about 50 vehicles were waiting in line at Krakivets.
The EES replaces passport stamps with electronic registration, aimed at enhancing security, preventing illegal migration, and improving tracking of foreign nationals’ stay durations in the EU.
During the first entry, travelers will undergo registration, including facial photography and fingerprint scanning of four fingers. The system will record the date, time, and location of both entry and exit.
Authorities note that future crossings will be significantly faster, as travelers’ data will be automatically verified against stored records.
