Sibiu International Airport First in Romania to Launch EU Biometric Entry/Exit System

Historic Implementation at Sibiu Airport

Sibiu International Airport has made history by becoming the first airport in Romania to fully implement the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES). The biometric border control mechanism became operational at the airport on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 10:30 AM local time. This significant step marks a modernization of external Schengen border management, moving away from traditional manual passport stamping for non-EU citizens.

Understanding the EU Entry/Exit System

The EES is an automated IT system designed to electronically register the entry and exit of non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens traveling for short stays within the Schengen Area. Its primary objectives include increasing efficiency, accuracy, and security at border crossings. The system aims to reduce waiting times for travelers, prevent irregular migration, and more effectively identify over-stayers and cases of document or identity fraud.

Key data collected by the EES includes:

• Traveler's full name and date of birth
• Travel document data
• Biometric data (facial images and four fingerprints)
• Date and place of entry and exit
• Information on refused entries, if applicable

This data is stored for a period of three years, or five years in cases of entry refusal or overstaying, in compliance with EU data protection regulations.

Scope and Exemptions for Travelers

The EES applies to citizens from countries outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland who intend to stay for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This includes both visa-required and visa-exempt travelers. However, certain categories of individuals are exempt from biometric data collection, such as children under 12 years of age, individuals physically unable to provide fingerprints, and holders of residence permits or long-stay visas issued by an EU member state.

Phased Rollout Across Europe and Romania

The implementation of the EES is part of a broader, progressive rollout across 29 European countries, which commenced on October 12, 2025, with full operationalization expected by April 10, 2026. Romania will adopt a phased approach, initially activating the system at selected border crossing points, including Sibiu Airport. The system will then be gradually extended to all other external border points within a maximum period of 170 calendar days. During a six-month transition period, manual passport stamping will continue alongside the electronic registration, ceasing once the EES is fully operational. The first regular flight to a non-EU destination processed under the new system at Sibiu Airport was the Sibiu–London Luton service.