Starting October 12, citizens of North Macedonia entering the European Union’s Schengen Zone will be required to provide biometric data—fingerprints and a photo—under the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES).
As noted in a briefing at the EU Delegation in Skopje, the system will be implemented gradually from October 12 over a period of six months and will apply at all Schengen entry points.
“This is a measure that will facilitate border crossings for nationals of third countries. In practice, this means that gradually, when third-country nationals enter the EU, they will register once with biometric data—meaning fingerprints and a photo—and then, during their second entry, the process will be much easier,” said Michalis Rokas, EU Ambassador to Skopje.
The system foresees that children under 12 will not be required to provide biometric data. Exceptions will also apply to family members of EU citizens.
Family members of individuals holding an EU passport or special residence permit for EU territory will also be exempt from registration. However, it has not yet been clarified how close relatives of such persons will be required to prove their family ties to an EU citizen.
EES implementation phases:
- Phase 1: In the first 30 days after launch, 10% of all travelers will be registered with the new system.
- Phase 2: Within 90 days, 35% of travelers.
- Phase 3: Within 150 days, 50% of travelers.
- Phase 4: Within 170 days, all travelers entering the Schengen Zone will be covered by the system.
By the end of next year, another system—ETIAS—will also come into effect. Under ETIAS, anyone traveling visa-free to the Schengen Zone must first register online, submit their travel plan, and pay a €20 fee, valid for three years. Exemptions will apply to those under 18 and over 70.