Finland’s ETIAS & EES Border Laws to Enter Into Force in 2023

The Finnish authorities have announced that the country has approved supplementary legislation on the Entry/Exit System (EES) as well as on the European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS).

This means that the national legislation will be amended as required by the relevant regulations set by the European Parliament and Council and the amended acts will enter into force next year, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

Announcing the news, the Ministry of Interior of Finland revealed that the following seven acts that will officially enter into force in 2023 are amended:

• Act on the Processing of Personal Data by the Border Guard
• The Border Guard Act
• The Aliens Act
• Act on the Processing of Personal Data by the Police
• Act on the Processing of Personal Data by Customs
• Act on the Enforcement of Fines
• Act on the Use of Air Carriers’ Passenger Name Record Data in the Prevention of Terrorist Offenses and Serious Crime

The Ministry of Interior has explained that the package under which these acts fall is referred to as Smart Borders Package, and in line with the newly made amendments, the authorities will be able to better keep in check the movement of people by using modern technology.

“This means, for example, the automation of border crossings, the EU-wide registration of entry and exit data, and the prior registration of visa-free travellers from third countries, namely non-EU countries, on the internet. The amendments do not concern citizens of Finland or other Schengen countries,” the statement of the Ministry reads.

According to the Ministry, the regulation on the Entry/Exit System will establish a new EU-wide information system. The main objectives of the new information system will be to prevent illegal migration, improve the management of external borders, and facilitate the management of migration flows.

In addition, the same has stressed that the purpose is also to electronically register data on the entry and exit of nationals of third countries who are authorised to enter the bloc and calculate the duration they are permitted to stay.

The new system will also replace the requirement to stamp the passport of non-EU nationals. Moreover, in line with the new amendments the Border Guard, the police, and the Defence Forces will be able to access the information system for the purpose of detecting, preventing, and investigating serious crimes.

As for the European Travel Information Authorisation System, the Ministry explains that is aims to support the objectives set for the Schengen Information System and enhance the effectiveness of border checks.

Both EES and ETIA will start to fully be operational at a date to be decided by the Commission of the EU. According to estimates, the EES will be operating from May 2023, whereas ETIAS from November 2023.