On 12 October, implementation of new EU entry rules begins

This system is biometric and records the entrances and exits of citizens of non-EU countries and collects fingerprints and photographs, eliminating stamps on the passport.

This system was designed to go into effect last November, but has been postponed in recent moments, as some states were still unwilling to implement it.

European authorities have indicated that this system will gradually be implemented on the external borders of 29 European states for six months. This gradual implementation will give authorities, passengers and transport industry more time to adapt to new procedures, European authorities have said, writes the REL, Periscopi broadcast.

The system was created in November 2017. It is expected to be worth nearly 60 countries, including those in the Western Balkans, for their citizens' entry into the EU, as well as in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, which are part of the Schengen area.

The passports in all Western Balkan states are biometric; the chips preserve fingerprints and photographs, and are fully harmonised with the conditions the European Union has asked for, in order for Western Balkan countries to benefit the visa-free regime.

The implementation of this system has raised fears that there will be long lines and waitings for people traveling to Europe with trains, boats and planes. /Periscopi