Lithuania denies entry to 309 people on security grounds since new EU border system launch

Lithuania has refused entry to 309 individuals on security grounds since the gradual rollout of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) began in October, LRT reports, citing data from the State Border Guard Service (VSAT).

The full system launched across the EU on Friday, though Lithuania had already implemented it in stages at airports and other checkpoints. According to VSAT spokesperson Giedrius Mišutis, the 309 denials fell under two security-related categories: 95 were deemed threats to public order, internal security, public health, or international relations, while 214 had existing alerts in the Schengen Information System or national databases.

In total, 836 people have been denied entry to Lithuania since October for all reasons combined, including non-security grounds. Mišutis noted these individuals were already flagged in EU systems as ineligible for entry.

The EES replaces passport stamps with digital registration, requiring non-EU short-stay travelers to provide passport details, fingerprints, and facial images at automated border posts. The European Commission reported over 52 million border crossings recorded since the system’s initial phase, with more than 27,000 entry refusals EU-wide—including nearly 700 for security threats.

Lithuania is among 27 EU member states (excluding Ireland and Cyprus) plus Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein using the system to strengthen border security and streamline travel.