EES System applied at external borders of European Union as of October 12; new rules of entry into EU states

At the external borders of the European Union, starting Sunday, October 12, The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be operationalized at the external borders of the European Union, starting from October 12. The system allows the collection of alphanumeric and biometric data - facial image and four fingerprints - and electronically records information on the date and place of entry and exit. Under the new system, passports will no longer be stamped and the duration of stay will be monitored electronically.

According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE), the EES System applies only to citizens of third countries making short stays - up to 90 days in any 180-day period on the territory of the European Union. In the context, the MAE said that the visa-free regime for Moldovan citizens stayed unchanged.

Upon the first entry after the activation of the system, biometric data will be collected, and for subsequent travels, verification will be automatic, reducing waiting times. Children under 12 years of age, individuals for whom fingerprint collection is impossible and holders of residence permits or long-term visas issued by an EU member state are exempt from the procedure.

Authorities have informed that European countries using the EES would gradually introduce the system at their external borders, with full implementation expected by April 10, 2026. On the transition period, passports will continue to be manually stamped.

The MAE emphasized that the implementation of the system aims to modernize and optimize border control, strengthen security in the Schengen area and prevent illegal stays, without altering existing travel rights.

Given that the data collection process will require additional time, it is recommended, during the travel planning stage, to check the validity of travel documents, allocate extra time for border formalities and avoid very short layovers.

Authorities recommend that citizens consult in advance the websites of border authorities and embassies in Moldova of the EU member states they intend to visit.