Poland to introduce EES system on 12 October: how will the new border control work?

A large-scale innovation for foreign travellers is being launched in Europe — an automated entry and exit registration system. Poland has already begun to implement it at key border crossings with Ukraine. Learn more about how the new system works, who it applies to, and what you should consider before travelling

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As noted by In Poland, a new border crossing system — the Entry/Exit System (EES) — will come into effect in European countries on 12 October. This is an electronic registration system that will automatically record every entry and exit of third-country nationals.

What will change for travellers, in which countries will it work, and which border crossing points will be the first to join the innovation in Poland — we will tell you more in this article.

What is the EES system and who does it apply to?

The Entry/Exit System is a digital system that will now register non-EU citizens each time they enter or leave European countries for a short stay. Such trips include stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The system will apply to everyone who crosses the EU's external borders, regardless of whether they are travelling with a visa or visa-free.

What data will be recorded in the system?

Every traveller entering or leaving the EU will be entered into the register with the following information:

– personal data from their travel document: name, date of birth, nationality;

– date and place of each border crossing;

– biometric data: facial photograph and/or fingerprints;

– information about any refusal of entry, if applicable.

Read also: The EES system in Europe. What do Ukrainians need to know before entering the EU?

Which countries are joining the Entry/Exit System?

The EES will be implemented simultaneously in 29 European countries. These include:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, the Netherlands, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Romania, Switzerland, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Italy, and Latvia.

Before travelling abroad, we recommend that you take out medical insurance for travelling abroad from the Visit Ukraine portal — this will allow you to avoid unforeseen expenses in case of illness or injury during your trip. The policy is easy to take out online, and the documents will be sent to your email in a few minutes.

Where exactly in Poland is the EES already being launched?

The first checkpoints where the new system will come into effect in Poland will be:

– the Medyka-Shehyni road checkpoint;

– the Przemyśl-Mostyska railway checkpoint.

This is where Ukrainians entering Poland will be the first to encounter the new procedure.

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How will this affect border crossing times?

No significant impact on border clearance speeds has been recorded. The flow of people travelling from Ukraine to Poland remains stable.

However, the introduction of the system will require slightly more time to process each traveller, especially at road border crossing points where it is technically possible to set up the appropriate equipment.

For more information on how queues at the border will change after the introduction of new EU entry rules, see here.

Will there be any simplifications for frequent travellers?

European countries participating in the EES system will be able to create national programmes for simplified border crossing for third-country nationals who regularly visit the EU. Such programmes may apply to one or more countries.

The new system will be implemented gradually. During the first six months, traveller data may not be collected immediately at all border crossing points. The implementation process will continue until spring 2026, so travellers should keep an eye on information about each specific crossing point.

Planning to travel abroad in your own car?

Make sure you have the mandatory Green Card for your car from the Visit Ukraine portal — it will be checked at any European border.

Get your policy in advance — and travel with peace of mind and confidence.

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