North Macedonians must submit biometric data for Schengen entry

Starting October 12, North Macedonian citizens will need to submit biometric data, including fingerprints and a photo, when entering the EU Schengen zone, in accordance with the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES).

The EU Entry/Exit System, as noted at a briefing at the EU Delegation in the country, will begin gradual implementation from October 12 and will continue over the next six months, after which it will be applied at all entry points in the Schengen area, CE Report quotes MIA.

Under the system, children up to 12 years old will not need to provide biometric data.

The new EU entry rules have been announced for some time and represent an automated system to support the flow and verification of all travelers, both with and without visas, entering the EU Schengen area.

“All entries, exits, and potential refusals of entry are registered. The system serves two primary purposes. The first is to strengthen border security—tracking who enters and is present in the Schengen zone, identifying people to curb identity fraud, and reducing overstays beyond the 90-day limit. The second purpose is efficiency and speed. Once fully implemented, entry into the EU is expected to be faster and easier,” EU Delegation representatives said during a briefing.

The system is set to be implemented in four phases, with each Schengen country following its own timeline. Generally, in the first phase - within 30 days of the system’s launch - 10 percent of all travelers entering the EU Schengen zone will be subject to the new system. The second phase foresees that 35 percent of passengers will be included within the first 90 days of implementation. The third phase covers up to 150 days, during which half of all travelers will be included. The fourth phase, 170 days after implementation, will cover all passengers in the Schengen area.

At the briefing, it was also emphasized that the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will start being implemented in the second half of 2026, is completely different from the EU Entry/Exit System. Once it comes into effect, anyone traveling to the Schengen area without a visa will first have to register online and notify their travel plans.

It was announced that registration will cost €20 and be valid for three years, with exemptions for those under 18 and over 70.

The two systems are complementary and will continue to work in parallel.