The Port of Bilbao introduces a new automated EES
Border controls at the Port of Bilbao are now faster, more efficient and more secure, following the introduction of the new digital border control system for travellers from non-EU countries, with the exception of Cyprus and Ireland, or who are not nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
The Port Authority and the National Police have worked together on rolling out the system, as has Brittany Ferries, the shipping company that operates the ferries calling at the port.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) automates the requirements for entry border control within the Schengen Area through a digital register maintained by the European Union. These requirements are set out in Article 6 of the Schengen Borders Code, Article 25 of the Spanish Immigration Law and Articles 4 et seq. of the Immigration Regulations. One of these requirements is to be in possession of a valid travel document and to have it stamped.
The new EES replaces the manual stamping of passports with a digital record that includes biographical data, the date and place of crossing, and biometric data (facial image and fingerprints). The aim is to modernise the management of external borders, improve the detection of overstayers and strengthen internal security.
This automated system, which became mandatory in the EU this year, has been introduced at both the Getxo cruise terminal and the Zierbena ferry terminal. After several months of work, the Port of Bilbao is now able to ensure a smooth transition that complies with the new regulations. To this end, self-service solutions and a vehicle flow guidance system tailored to the needs of Ro-Pax services have been put into operation, enabling the authorities to work more efficiently.
Where necessary, the EES helps to track people entering and leaving the Schengen area, using fingerprint and facial data to prevent people from overstaying their authorised period of stay, using false identities, misusing visa-free travel or posing security risks.
