European countries using the EES may decide to further automate their processes. Automation means that, non-EU nationals are able to benefit from dedicated equipment – a “self-service system”. If available at the border crossing, the self-service system allows you to:
- register when crossing the border
- check if your data is still recorded in the EES and, if no data is present
- upload them for subsequent verification by a passport control officer.
After using the self-service system, you can go to a border control lane, where the passport control officer will have already received:
- information from the self-service system (including checks against other databases)
- confirmation of your identity
- the remaining duration of your stay
The passport control officer can then ask further questions before deciding to grant or refuse you access to the respective territory.
The automated border processes, before reaching the passport control officer, will help to gradually reduce queues. Automation replaces time-consuming manual checks.