How will queues at the border change after the introduction of new EU entry rules?

From 12 October, new border crossing rules will come into force in the European Union, requiring travellers to undergo facial scanning and fingerprinting. These changes are aimed at creating a single database for Schengen countries and improving security. Ukrainians are interested in whether the new rules will lead to longer waiting times at border controls. Find out how the new rules will affect queues at the border and what to expect when travelling to the EU

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From 12 October, the European Union is introducing updated border crossing rules. Now all EU countries must connect to a single system that involves scanning the faces and taking the fingerprints of citizens entering the country. This is part of a large-scale process of unifying the databases of the Schengen zone countries, which will allow European border guards to obtain information about travellers in real time.

What will change for Ukrainians

According to Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Service of Ukraine, speaking on a telethon, the new system is primarily aimed at third-country nationals, including Ukrainians, who cross the borders of the European Union.

Passport data and every entry and exit will be entered into a single database to ensure transparency of movement and increase security.

The first tests of the system have already begun in Poland. Here, border services have started using biometric identification and electronic recording of crossings. However, as Demchenko notes, there has been no significant impact on the speed of passing through control so far. At most road crossing points, processing may indeed take a little longer, but delays remain minimal.

‘Poland has already started testing the system, but it is too early to talk about a significant increase in queues. It just takes a little longer to process each person now,’ emphasised the representative of the State Border Service.

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Queues at the border

Ukrainian border guards also note that the overall passenger flow remains stable. Compared to the summer, when there was a surge in travel, the number of crossings decreased in September and October. This means that the load on checkpoints is now lower, and therefore the likelihood of long queues is minimal.

However, there are still periods of peak traffic. According to Demchenko, the largest flow of citizens is observed before weekends and in the afternoon, when many Ukrainians travel to Poland. It is then that temporary queues may form at checkpoints.

Poland — the main route for Ukrainians

Today, the Polish section of the border accounts for about 50% of all passenger traffic. This is explained not only by geographical proximity, but also by the large number of Ukrainians who work or live in Poland. Therefore, it is here that the system is undergoing the most rigorous testing for efficiency and stability.

Launch of the EES in the EU

The new biometric system is only part of the EU's preparations for the launch of the European Entry/Exit System (EES), which should be fully operational in the coming months. Once implemented, controls will become more technological and secure, and travellers' data will be stored centrally.

According to experts, the initial stages of registration may indeed take a little longer, especially at road border crossings. However, over time, the procedure will become automated and will not cause any additional inconvenience.

Reminder! As Europe prepares to end its temporary protection programme, Ukrainians in Germany are faced with a choice: stay and apply for long-term status or return home. The country's authorities are already launching new initiatives and support centres to help refugees decide on their future. Find out how to change your status, what documents are required, and what opportunities will be available to Ukrainians in Germany after 2027.

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