Starting October 12, 2025, the European Union begins rolling out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) — a biometric border control system that replaces the familiar passport stamp for non‑EU travellers.Full implementation across all external Schengen zone borders is expected by April 10, 2026.
What changes will you see?
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Instead of getting a manual passport stamp when entering or leaving EU/Schengen countries, your facial image and fingerprints will be collected and stored digitally. Your travel document data (passport number, etc.), the dates and places of border crossings, and your stay duration will all be registered in this system.
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For short‑term stays (up to 90 days in any 180‑day period) → still valid under visa‑free or visa regimes, but now more strictly tracked.
Who is affected?
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Non‑EU nationals (travellers from outside the EU) will be subject to the new checks.
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All travellers whether for tourism, business, family visits, etc.
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Children under 12: only facial photograph images will be required (no fingerprints) in many cases.
What you need to do / expect
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Allow extra time at border controls. During the transition period, queues might be longer, especially at busy airports, ports, and train stations.
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Make sure your travel documents are valid, your passport is in order, and that you have no visa/overstay issues. Overstaying may be more easily detected now.
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Once your biometric data is captured, for future visits the process should be faster, since border authorities will have your data registered.
Why it’s being done
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To improve border security and identity verification.
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To better track entries and exits (and prevent overstays).
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To replace outdated manual stamping systems with more efficient, digital processes.
Overall, the EES means more biometric data collection, less manual paperwork, and stricter tracking of stays in the Schengen area. For travellers, understanding these changes ahead of time will help avoid surprises, delays or complications.
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