So far, 3,797 third-country nationals have been registered in the new Entry/Exit System in Latvia

RIGA - So far, 3,797 third-country nationals have been registered in the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) in Latvia, the State Border Guard informed the LETA.

The system became operational on Sunday. During the first day of operation of the new system in Latvia, as in other European countries, 2,007 third-country nationals were registered, while by 8.30 a.m. on October 14, a total of 3,797 persons were registered.

The benefits of the EES for EU citizens and third-country nationals include modernizing and improving the management of the EU's external borders, ensuring smooth and rapid border crossings, preventing illegal migration and strengthening security at the EU's external borders and for the EU as a whole, according to the State Border Guard.

During the first border crossing, when the biometric data of third-country nationals is registered, the border control process may take longer than usual. However, after the initial data registration, subsequent border crossings will be faster and more convenient.

The system will replace the current passport stamps with a digital registration mechanism that will automatically record entry and exit data. This will mean faster and more efficient border checks in the long term, as checks will be automated and less manual, the Border Guard informs.

At the same time, the new system will help prevent illegal migration by allowing accurate recording of persons entering and leaving the Schengen area.