Kazakhstanis warned about new entry rules for Schengen Area countries

Tengrinews.kz – The Entry/Exit System, or EES, has begun operating fully in Schengen Area countries. The data of foreign tourists will now be recorded in a unified digital database, while the familiar passport stamps will gradually become a thing of the past. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded citizens of the changes.

Who the new rules apply to

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry emphasized that the system applies to all citizens of countries outside the European Union. The new requirements will apply both to travelers who need a Schengen visa and to those who enter Europe under a visa-free regime.

The main goal of the reform is to move border control into a digital format and reduce paperwork.

Instead of passport stamps, information about trips will be stored in a unified electronic system.

What data will be collected

When crossing the border, border officers will record:

• passport details;
• the exact time and place of entry and exit;
• a digital facial photo and fingerprints;
• data on refusal of entry, if a traveler is denied entry for any reason.

In addition, the system will be able to automatically cross-check information with other European databases. Border guards will be able to immediately see visa status and, if necessary, additional information, including data on family members.

Which countries participate in the system

The new rules cover almost all of Europe. The system operates in all Schengen Area and EU countries, as well as in:

• Iceland;
• Liechtenstein;
• Norway;
• Switzerland.

The only exceptions are Ireland and Cyprus, where the EES system is not yet applied.

What Kazakhstanis need to know

The Foreign Ministry issued a separate warning: providing biometric data at the border will become a mandatory procedure.

If a traveler refuses to be photographed or have their fingerprints scanned, they may be denied entry.

Therefore, Kazakhstanis are advised to familiarize themselves with the new rules in advance and be prepared for additional procedures at border control.

As a reminder, on April 10, the EES system introduced by the European Commission began fully operating in 29 Schengen Area countries. The transition to digital control is expected to allow European countries to more effectively monitor the length of stay of foreign citizens and speed up the work of border services.