New Border Surveillance System Enacted At Keflavík International Airport

On October 12, the new border control system Entry Exit (EES) was implemented at Keflavík International Airport and in 28 other European countries.

The system does not affect the travels of Icelandic citizens, European or Schengen zone nationals.

An automated system, EES applies to non-EU nationals and residents outside the Schengen zone. Each time travelers cross the external borders of any of the 29 European countries, the system will register the person’s name, travel document data, fingerprints, facial images, and the date and place of entry and exit.

In conversation with RÚV, Deputy Police Chief of Keflavík Airport Ómar Mehmet Annisius said that the system will renew public trust in border control. The implementation strengthens the area’s external borders without limiting travels of people within it.

The October 12 enactment is intended to take six months, with EES ultimately replacing the current system of manual passport stamping on April 10.