Under the new entry and exit system to control migration through the European Union, around 2.5 million euros will be invested in new biometric data systems at border touchpoints, funded by the Fund for Internal Security.
Foreign travellers will be required to scan their passports at an automated self-service kiosk before crossing the border in or out of the EU, with their biometric fingerprint and facial images captured when the new system is in operation. The process is mandatory for citizens who do not hold a visa to enter the EU. Data collected by the entry/exit system is typically deleted after 3 years have passed since the last visit to a country using the EES system.
The Foreigners and Borders Service is executing the tender covering the acquisition, installation and maintenance of biometric data equipment which will be deployed to permit entry to 25 EU countries and 4 non-EU countries that make up the Schengen area.
The investment was backed by the government and aligned with the guidelines from the European Council to proceed with “urgency” to implement “an effective management of the common external borders of the European Union… aimed at facilitating the passage of the vast majority of travellers coming from third countries”.
