Beginning Sunday, non-EU visitors entering Europe’s Schengen area will be photographed and fingerprinted under a new automated border control system.

The European Union said the long-delayed Entry/Exit System is designed to replace manual passport stamping and enhance information-sharing among its 27 member states.

By digitally recording travellers’ entry and exit dates, the system aims to strengthen border security, curb overstays, and improve detection of individuals denied entry.

The long-debated system, nearly a decade in the making, has sparked concern among transport operators and travellers who worry it could cause longer queues at airports and train stations.

To minimize disruptions, the European Union plans a phased rollout, beginning Sunday.

In the initial phase, non-EU nationals entering for short stays in EU countries, excluding Cyprus and Ireland, will be required to provide their passport number, submit fingerprints, and have their photograph taken at automated kiosks.

The same rules will also apply in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, which are part of the European Economic Area.

Major EU countries such as France and Germany will begin with limited checks to prevent long queues at airports as the new border system takes effect.

Several smaller EU member states will have the new border system fully operational starting Sunday.

All countries are expected to implement automated checks for all passengers by mid-April.

Attention will also focus on the UK border, as British nationals—no longer EU citizens following Brexit—will now be subject to the same entry procedures as other non-EU travellers.