Austria has announced the final steps toward the full activation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) at its air, land, and rail borders, making the collection of biometric data from non-EU travelers mandatory at all border checkpoints by April 10. The new European system will automatically calculate the length of stay for visitors with short-term Schengen visas as they move between Schengen countries, enabling authorities to detect overstaying cases. It will also eliminate the 'grace days' previously allowed when passport stamps were illegible. Austrian authorities stated that additional frequently asked questions about the system will be published in English by March 20. Austrian border authorities confirmed that travelers with a valid Austrian long-stay visa D and residence permit holders are exempt from registration in the European EES system. They also announced that technological systems have been upgraded at Vienna International Airport and the airports of Innsbruck and Salzburg, with updates at the airports of Graz and Linz expected to be completed by March 25.
