New entry rules for Schengen states from 12 October

Starting 12 October, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be implemented at the external border crossing points of the European Union. This involves scanning the travel document, collecting biometric data: facial image and fingerprints, as well as creating an individual electronic record for citizens of third countries.

According to the Border Police, the system is part of the European Union's efforts to modernize and digitize border control, aiming to record the entry, exit, and refusal of entry data for non-EU citizens into the Schengen area.


“The EES system applies to third-country citizens, regardless of whether they require a visa to travel to the Schengen area. Thus, citizens of the Republic of Moldova traveling with a Moldovan biometric passport will be subject to the new rules. Additionally, individuals who possess citizenship of an EU or Schengen member state and travel with that state's document are not subject to the EES. Also, children under 12 years old and citizens for whom capturing fingerprints is physically impossible are exempt from this procedure,” specified the Border Police.


Therefore, to avoid delays or misunderstandings when crossing the Schengen external border, the authorities recommend that citizens of the Republic of Moldova inform themselves in advance about the new procedures and requirements through official EU sources (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ro/ees). It is also important for them to check the validity of the biometric passport and other travel documents. It is necessary for individuals to show patience and cooperation with EU border authorities during the border-crossing process.

Travelers will be informed about the new border crossing rules. Thus, at the border crossing points with Romania, Ukraine, and Eugen Doga International Airport - Chisinau, border police will distribute informational materials and provide direct consultation to travelers.