This change also concerns Switzerland

The border crossings to the Schengen area will be recorded digitally this fall. The European Commission has set the launch date of the entry and release system on October 12. In Switzerland, this system will be implemented at airports.

The input/output system (Entry/Exit System ESS) must allow to digitally register travelers from third countries when entering, transit or outing Schengen space said the European Commission on Wednesday.

Personal data of the passport, the date and place of entry or exit, as well as the fingerprints and a photo of the face will be stored in the SSE. This system aims to facilitate the exchange of information between customs authorities. It must strengthen security within the Schengen area, according to the Commission.

The ESS must also make it possible to identify people who exceed the authorized stay of stay and avoid identity theft. It will only apply to people making a short stay of maximum 90 days.

Member States will have six months to implement this new measure, said the press release. This gradual launch allows time to customs authorities, transport companies and travelers to adapt to new procedures.

Control in Swiss airports

The EES system will be introduced In the 29 member states of the Schengen area, including Switzerland. As the Confederation is surrounded by Schengen member states, the EES system will only be applied to the “air” borders of the country.

At first, the three major airports in the country, Geneva, Basel-Mulhouse and Zurich, will be connected to the EES system, specifies the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) to the Keystone-ATS news agency.

In a second phase, 15 other airports will be connected to the system. In the SEM list is notably Berne-Belp, Lausanne-La Blécherette or Lugano-Agno. (MBR/ATS)