Europe to store biometric data of non-EU travelers for three years

The European Parliament has approved the introduction of an electronic control system at the borders of Schengen countries. Non-EU citizens are subject to a facial scan upon entry and fingerprints taken.

The Entry/Exit System, or EES, records the data of all non-EU travelers. This concerns both travelers who need a visa and travelers who are allowed to visit the Schengen countries for a short period without a visa. At the point of entry or refusal, the name, travel document, fingerprints and a facial scan of the travelers are recorded.

The eu-LISA agency stores the data in a database for at least three years. For travelers who stay longer than permitted, the data is stored for five years. National investigative services and Europol can request data there. National immigration authorities will not be able to access the data.

The introduction of the electronic system should make it easier for authorities to check whether travelers who are allowed to stay for a short period of time also respect that period. Authorities are automatically notified if someone stays longer than allowed. In addition, the EES should also assist in the prevention and detection of terrorism and other crime.

The bill passed with 477 votes in favour, 139 against and 50 abstentions. The EES is expected to be operational in 2020 and the cost of implementation would be EUR 480 million. The electronic system replaces the current system, where customs officers put stamps in the passport.