Tajik Citizens Must Register Biometric Data Under New EU Travel Rules

A new European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) officially came into force on October 12, requiring travelers from non-EU countries - including Tajikistan - to undergo electronic registration and biometric screening when entering or exiting the EU’s external borders.

The system applies to short-term visitors entering the 29 Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.

The EES does not affect EU citizens or those holding long-term visas or residence permits, who will be directed through separate lanes at border checkpoints.

Under the new rules, first-time travelers from non-EU countries will be required to complete a biometric registration, which includes fingerprinting, facial recognition, and passport scanning. The system will automatically record entry and exit dates and locations, as well as any refusals of entry.

The phased rollout will continue over the next six months, with full implementation scheduled for April 10, 2026. Once fully in place, the EES will replace manual passport stamping, streamlining border procedures through automation.

According to the European Commission, the system is designed to enhance border security, prevent illegal migration, detect visa overstays, and reduce identity fraud.

For Tajik citizens, the changes mean longer wait times at EU borders during the initial phase and a requirement to comply with biometric data collection as part of the entry process.