Border Control Goes Digital at Sibiu International Airport
Starting Sunday, Sibiu International Airport (AIS) becomes the first in Romania where passports will no longer receive stamps. Border control will be handled electronically through the Entry/Exit System (EES), according to a press release cited by Agerpres.
“Starting Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 10:30 AM, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will become operational at Sibiu International Airport as part of the new European framework for managing the EU’s external borders.
Sibiu International Airport is the first airport in Romania to implement this system, capable of integrating modern border control technologies thanks to its advanced equipment, ensuring high efficiency and security in passenger processing while helping to streamline passenger flows at border control,” the AIS press release states.
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The first regular flight to a non-EU country after the EES implementation will be Sibiu – London Luton, with check-in opening at 4:05 PM and departure scheduled for 6:05 PM.
“Implementing the EES at Sibiu International Airport represents recognition of operational performance and the ability to quickly adapt to European Union requirements regarding the safety and efficiency of external border control.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a modern electronic tool for controlling the external borders of the Schengen Area. It has been operational in all EU member states since October 12, 2025. In Romania, the system will be implemented gradually and extended to other border crossing points over the coming period (within a maximum of 170 days).
EES replaces passport stamping with electronic recording of entry and exit data for citizens from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, using biometric data (fingerprints and facial images),” the press release adds.
Clarifications from the Romanian Border Police
The Romanian Border Police clarified that EES applies only to non-EU citizens intending short-term stays—up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The system will automatically record the date and place of entry and exit, collect alphanumeric and biometric data (facial image and four fingerprints), and calculate the legal duration of stay.
“During the transition period (approximately six months), passports will continue to be manually stamped. The implementation of the system aims to achieve safer and more efficient control, gradually replacing manual stamping without altering existing travel rights.
Upon first entry after the system activation, biometric data will be collected, and for subsequent trips, verification will be automatic, reducing waiting time at the border. Fingerprinting through the EES applies to non-EU citizens, except for children under 12, individuals for whom fingerprint collection is impossible, and holders of long-term residence permits or visas issued by an EU member state.
Data will be stored for three years (or five years in case of entry refusal or overstaying the legal duration), strictly in accordance with European data protection regulations,” the representatives of Sibiu Airport added.
Photo: freepik.com
