Poland is starting a phased rollout of the new European Entry/Exit System (EES) at border crossings with Ukraine. The system is expected to speed up and strengthen controls and help the EU track the length of stay of foreigners in the Schengen area.
According to the border authorities, the first in the Lublin Voivodeship to be connected are:
— November 4 — the Dolgobychów—Uhrynów road crossing;
— November 5 — the Zosyn—Ustylug road crossing;
— November 6 — the Dorohusk—Yagodyn road and rail crossings.
The EES involves scanning passport documents and collecting biometric data for non-EU citizens: border guards will take photos and fingerprints. The data will be stored in a centralized database to control the number of entries/exits and compliance with the duration of stay.
The Polish side emphasizes: the general procedure for crossing the border does not change, but temporary delays are possible at the start due to the initial registration of travelers in the system. Travelers are advised to allow additional time for control and prepare documents in advance.
The EES is part of a broader reform of the EU's external border, designed to reduce queues, strengthen security and the fight against illegal migration, and automate checks on compliance with the 90-day stay limit for visa-free travelers.
