The new EU entry and exit system (EES) has been installed at Lithuanian airports. The system will collect and verify biometric and personal data, including fingerprints and personal images, of travelers from third countries entering the bloc for the first time after the implementation of the EES.
According to Brussels’ plans, the system should become operational at the external borders of all EU states that are part of the Schengen zone in May 2023. According to SchengenVisaInfo, Lithuania has reported early readiness and has become the first to complete equipment installation and is ready to start recording third-country nationals crossing the border. Although the exact date of the introduction of scanners at the airports of Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga remains unknown, experts predict a significant increase in the time of border checks, despite attempts to automate the process.
The head of the security and safety department of Lithuanian airports, Vidas Kšanas, on the other hand, said that the new way of care will be more convenient for passengers because this function should be reliable. self-service terminals and information screens are installed in each airport.
He also noted that the Lithuanian authorities have carefully planned the new zones where additional checks will be carried out, as well as simulated passenger flow management processes. “As soon as the inspection begins, third-country nationals will not only receive detailed information on the procedures to be followed but also the opportunity to perform most services completely independently at self-service terminals,” he said.
What is EES?
The Entry/Exit System is a new security system for travelers created by the EU in an attempt by its authorities to track those entering and leaving Schengen countries. The system will register everyone entering and leaving the EU, using new infrastructure to be implemented by member states at their external borders, including airports and land borders. The system will apply to all citizens of third countries who arrive in the Schengen area for any purpose, both for short-term and long-term stay, as well as for citizens of countries that are included in the visa-free program – these are citizens of the USA, Great Britain, UAE, etc. . In addition, it will be applied to those who are subject to the visa regime – these are citizens of the Russian Federation, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, etc.
The system can collect and verify the general data of each tourist – biometric and personal data, including fingerprints and images of individuals, and travelers. In addition, the system is interested in information about the travel documents and visa of the person entering. It was clarified that Lithuania spent EUR 3 million excluding VAT on preparation for EES for its three airports – Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga airports.