A new European Union entry and exit system (EES) came into effect on October 12, requiring travelers from non-EU countries, including Tajikistan, to undergo electronic registration and biometric checks when crossing the EU's external borders.

According to a report by Meduza, citing the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, the system applies to short-term visitors entering the 29 countries of the Schengen Area for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The EES is not applicable to EU citizens or holders of long-term visas and residence permits, who will be processed through separate lanes at border crossings.

Under the new rules, first-time travelers must complete a biometric registration that includes fingerprinting, facial recognition, and passport scanning. The system will record the date and location of each entry and exit, as well as any refusals of entry.

Implementation of the EES will be gradual over the next six months, with full deployment scheduled for April 10, 2026. Once fully operational, it will replace the current manual passport stamping process.

The European Commission says the system aims to improve border security, curb illegal migration, detect overstays more efficiently, and reduce identity document fraud.

For Tajik citizens planning to travel to the EU, the new procedures mean longer border checks and the need to comply with biometric data requirements.