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Austria Sets Oct. 12 Launch for Biometric EU Entry‑Exit System at Vienna Airport

A six-month pilot at Vienna-Schwechat will precede full biometric recording of all non‑EU entries and exits.

Overview

  • Airport officials say the EES equipment is installed at Vienna-Schwechat and will be activated on October 12.
  • The system will replace manual passport stamping with digital capture of fingerprints and facial images for non‑EU travelers.
  • After the trial, authorities plan to record every border crossing by non‑EU visitors, creating a verifiable entry and exit history.
  • EU citizens will continue to use existing travel documents without biometric registration under the new regime.
  • Officials tout stronger security and faster processing through automated gates, with immediate detection of identity fraud, visa overstays and certain social‑benefits abuse linked to undisclosed trips.