Digital frontiers: Romania and Moldova implement EU-aligned Entry/Exit System
Passports are no longer being stamped at the border crossings between the Republic of Moldova and Romania. A new digital protocol has replaced manual checks for all non-European Union citizens, marking a significant shift toward EU-standard border management.
The new system requires travelers to undergo facial recognition and provide digital fingerprints at specialized terminal interfaces. While the procedure adds approximately two minutes to the crossing time, the data is stored in an electronic file for three years to streamline future travel.
Children under the age of 12 remain exempt from fingerprinting requirements. Authorities confirmed that once the initial profile is created, travelers will benefit from faster processing during subsequent trips, as the system automatically tracks legal stay durations.
Automated compliance monitoring
"This modern system records the date and location of entry and exit for third-country nationals," stated Denis Lazăr, spokesperson for the Iași Territorial Inspectorate of the Border Police. He noted that the software automatically calculates the legal 90-day stay limit within the common area.
The rollout follows a successful pilot program launched last October at the Costești-Stânca crossing. The phased implementation has now reached full operational capacity across all customs points, aiming to eliminate document fraud and identify overstays.
European security standards
Officials in Brussels expect these rigorous checks to significantly bolster regional security. By replacing physical ink stamps with biometric data, the system reduces human error and provides law enforcement with high-fidelity tools to combat identity theft and illegal migration.
Despite the additional steps, travelers at the Sculeni border crossing reported a smooth transition. Most commuters noted that while the process is new, the impact on overall transit time remains minimal compared to the increased security benefits.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
