OREANDA-NEWS Russians will be able to visit the European Union (EU) without a biometric passport. In the second half of 2024, an automated entry and exit system for travelers (Entry/Exit System, EES) who do not have local citizenship will begin operating in the countries of the association, Izvestia writes.

It is noted that at the first entry, tourists will need to submit biometric data, that is, scan their fingerprints and take a picture. The EES will also automatically receive passport data, as well as information on the place, purpose and timing of entry/exit of people.

All this information will be stored for three years, and then deleted. At the same time, the sources of the publication in the European Commission (EC) stressed that the absence of a ten-year passport for Russian citizens does not mean an automatic block on entry.

"In cases where he has a valid travel document giving him the right to cross the border, a valid Schengen visa and meets all other conditions set out in the Schengen Border Code, a biometric passport is not required," the EC explained.

Earlier in March, it was reported that travelers from Russia began to actively plan trips to Europe. France and Italy turned out to be among the most popular countries for summer holidays among Russians.