How the new biometric system at Romania's borders will work
Articol de Radiojurnal, 12 Octombrie 2025, 18:18
Romania, along with the other member states of the European Union, is activating a new border control mechanism for foreigners who want to enter the Schengen area today.
The European electronic control system will replace passport stamps with the electronic recording of travelers' biometric data by spring of next year.
The new mechanism is being progressively put into operation in all member states. In Romania, Sibiu International Airport and the customs offices at Midia, Stanca, Sighet and Naidas are the first border points where the system is active. Details in the report signed by Iulia German.
Reporter: Iulia Gherman - The border control system targets citizens of non-European Union countries who make short visits to Romania of up to 90 days within a six-month period.
The system will electronically record the date and place of entry and exit from the country and the total duration of stay, and at the first entry, four fingerprints and a facial image will be collected for each person.
The data will be stored for a period of three years or five years in the event of refusal of entry or exceeding the legal period of stay.
Exceptions and implementation schedule
Biometric registration does not apply to minors under 12 years of age, third-country nationals holding a long-term residence document issued by a member state of the European Union, nor to family members of Schengen area citizens holding such permits.
Until the new control method is fully operational, forecasted for spring next year, travel documents will continue to be stamped manually.
The implementation of the system aims to achieve efficient and safer control, without modifying existing movement rights, emphasizes the Romanian Border Police.
Translated by: Radu Matei
