New EES System at the Polish Border: Queue Formation.

According to inkorr.com: A new digital EES (Entry/Exit System) has been implemented at the 'Krakivets' border crossing with Poland. This has already led to the formation of queues and a possible increase in waiting time for entry into the EU. As of the morning of October 21, about 50 vehicles were lined up for exit from Ukraine, as reported by the Lviv portal citing the press service of the 7th Border Guard Carpathian Detachment.

What is the EES System

EES is a centralized European system that automates control at the external borders of the Schengen Area, completely replacing traditional passport stamping. During the first entry after the system's launch, every citizen will undergo complete biometric registration. The main steps include:

• Mandatory facial photo

• Taking four fingerprints

• Automatic recording of the date, time, and place of entry/exit

'When planning trips to Poland, we advise considering the possible increase in waiting time at the 'Krakivets' border crossing and, if possible, choosing less busy routes,' the border service recommends.

Who Among Ukrainians Does Not Need to Submit Biometrics at the EU Border

It should be noted that the system does not apply to Ukrainians who have a residence permit in the EU or long-term visas – it is sufficient for them to present the relevant documents.

Where Else is the EES System Working at the EU Border

The system is already operational at two key points on the Polish-Ukrainian border: the vehicle-pedestrian 'Shehyni-Medyka' and the railway 'Przemyśl'. The first days of operation were marked by significant delays due to technical problems with scanning devices and the absence of separate queues for individuals who had already undergone biometric control earlier.

According to the Public Monitoring Center, the full procedure for taking fingerprints and photos needs to be done only once every three years. After that, crossing the border significantly speeds up as the data is automatically verified against the database. For the complete refinement of the system, the European Commission allocates a six-month transition period until April 2026.

Previously, we reported that a new digital border control system has come into operation in the European Union. It is called the Entry/Exit System (EES) and will be effective starting October 12, 2025.

Thus, the new EES system aims to simplify the border crossing process; however, in the initial stages, it may cause inconveniences due to technical issues and increased queues. Overall, over time, this innovation should facilitate travel in Schengen countries, as procedures will become faster after initial registration.