Polícia de Fronteiras de Andorra Enfrenta Desafios de Cumprimento do Espaço Schengen Após Lançamento do Sistema EES da UE

A polícia nas fronteiras de Andorra com Espanha e França relata crescentes preocupações com o Sistema de Entrada/Saída da UE (EES), agora em vigor, que eliminou os carimbos visíveis nos passaportes e deixou os agentes sem verificações iniciais sobre o cumprimento do Espaço Schengen por nacionais de países terceiros.

Launched last Friday, the EES digitises entry and exit records for third-country nationals using biometric controls at equipped border points, aiming to end routine stamping while phasing it out over time. Andorran officers, however, lack passport scanners, direct Schengen database access, or connections—limitations government sources confirm will persist. Previously, ink stamps offered quick insights into entry/exit dates, countries, and stays exceeding the 90-day limit, enabling denials, informal queries via international contacts, or risk assessments. Without them, frontline staff describe operating without leads, even as Spain and France tighten enforcement on overstays.

Government officials acknowledge the gap but emphasise stamps were never comprehensive for security. Officers must now rely on ad-hoc filtering at sites like the Runer River crossing, using Andorra's own databases or Interpol where possible. For non-EU work visa applicants, self-certification of regular Schengen status is required—potentially via flight tickets or similar proof—pending bilateral border management agreements with neighbours. These pacts, outlined with the European Commission, promise enhanced police collaboration for vetting workers and random checks, though no timeline exists. The low season for hiring eases immediate pressures.