The European Union has launched a new Entry/Exit System (EES) on 12 October 2025. This new system changes the way non-EU travellers enter and leave the Schengen Area. It replaces the old passport-stamping method with a modern digital record.
What Is the Entry/Exit System?
The EES is an electronic system that records when non-EU travellers enter and leave the Schengen Area.
It collects:
Passport details
Fingerprints
A facial photo
The date and place of entry and exit
This system helps the EU know how long each visitor stays and ensures that people don't overstay their 90-day limit in the Schengen Zone.
Who Does It Affect?
The new system applies to:
Travellers from non-EU countries who visit the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days)
Both visa-free and visa-required visitors
It does not apply to:
EU citizens
People with long-stay visas or residence permits
Ireland and Cyprus, as they are not part of the Schengen Area
How Does It Work?
First Visit After EES Starts
When a traveller arrives at an airport, seaport, or land border for the first time, they will:
This information is stored in a secure EU database.
During this first visit, the process may take a few extra minutes.
Scan their passport
Give fingerprints (usually four fingers)
Have a photo taken
Future Visits
On the next trips, travellers won't need to give fingerprints again. The system will simply check their face or fingerprints to confirm identity. This will make future crossings faster.
Monitoring Stay Time
Because the system records every entry and exit, border officials can automatically check if someone has stayed longer than allowed.
When Will It Be Fully Used?
The system started on 12 October 2025 and will roll out slowly over six months.
That means by April 2026, all airports, seaports, and land borders in Schengen countries should be using EES.
During this time, some travellers may still get passport stamps while the new system is being installed.
What Will Travellers Notice?
At some airports, there will be new self-service kiosks or e-gates to record fingerprints and take photos.
Queues may be longer at first, especially during busy travel periods.
Once your data is registered, future entries will be faster.
Make sure to arrive earlier than usual for your flight or border crossing.
The 90-day rule in the Schengen Area still applies — EES only tracks it electronically.
Why Is the EU Doing This?
The EU says the EES will:
Improve border security
Stop passport stamping, making travel smoother in the future
Detect overstays or fake identities more easily
Provide better travel data for managing immigration and tourism
Possible Problems
Delays and queues may happen at first as travellers and officers adjust.
Some confusion is likely for travellers who don't know about the new process.
Privacy concerns exist because the system collects personal and biometric data, but the EU says it follows strict data protection rules.
Tips for Travellers
Bring your passport and be ready for fingerprints and a quick photo.
Arrive earlier at airports or borders, especially during the first months.
Keep your travel documents handy. Remember, you still need a visa if your nationality requires it — EES does not replace a visa.
In Short
The EU's new Entry/Exit System is a big step toward a digital border. At first, it may slow things down a bit, but once it's running smoothly, it should make travel across Europe faster, safer, and more secure. For most travellers, it means no more passport stamps, just a quick photo and fingerprint scan — and then you're on your way.
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