Europe to replace passport stamps through digital database
Brussels (dpa) – International travellers arriving in 29 European countries will have their data processed in a Schengen-wide database from October 12, the European Commission announced on Wednesday.
The so-called Entry/Exit System (EES) will record all entries and exits of non-EU nationals, as well as travel information, and capture biometric data like fingerprints and facial images.
One aim of the EES is to gradually replace the current use of passport stamps.
The new system will improve security by providing reliable data on border crossings, people overstaying their visa and cases of document and identity fraud, said EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner.
Schengen countries have six months to fully deploy the EES at all border crossing points, the Commission said.
Schengen refers to Europe’s passport-free travel area which is made of 25 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Ireland and Cyprus are members of the 27-strong EU but do not participate in Schengen. (30 July)
