New entry/exit system to be launched in EU by end of 2024

The European Union is introducing a biometric control system that collects travelers' fingerprints upon entry. The system is being tested by Eurotunnel, which provides a rail connection between Britain and France under the English Channel. It says border crossings will take several times longer.

If the waiting time at the border for a family of five is currently around 45-90 seconds, it could increase to 10 minutes with the introduction of the new system. Of course, this is only for the first trip, when documents must be signed, data must be processed, and fingerprints must be taken. Subsequent trips will be quicker because all data, including denials, will be stored in a single database.

The new system is expected to apply to all EU countries except Cyprus and Ireland. It will also be used by 4 states outside the Union: Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Exact implementation dates have not yet been announced, but the rules will affect all non-EU travelers without exception.