The European Union has officially confirmed that the Entry/Exit System, known as EES, will begin rolling out in October 2025. After years of development and delays, this system will change how non-EU nationals travel to and from the 29 participating Schengen countries. This isn’t just an update to border control—it’s a major shift that will affect millions of travelers around the world.
The EES is a digital border management system designed to replace manual passport stamping with a more secure and automated process. It will record key information like names, passport details, fingerprints, photos, and the exact dates and locations of entry and exit. The purpose is to strengthen border security and reduce the number of people overstaying their permitted time in the Schengen zone.
This new system applies to non-EU nationals, including citizens from countries like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia, even if they don’t need a visa for short stays. Whether someone is visiting on a short-stay visa or as a visa-exempt traveler for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, they will be enrolled in the EES.
For first-time users, the border process will take a bit longer since biometric data needs to be collected. This data will then be stored for three years, making future entries smoother and faster. Instead of receiving a physical passport stamp, travelers will go through electronic gates, where they will scan their passport, give fingerprints, and have a photo taken. The system will track every visit, and even overstaying by a single day could lead to consequences like being barred from returning.
The system will be implemented across 29 countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and others. Countries like Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen area and will continue using manual passport stamps. The rollout will begin in October 2025 but won’t be immediate across all borders. A phased approach over six months will gradually replace manual checks with digital gates.
For travelers, this means careful planning is more important than ever. Anyone visiting for tourism, work, or family reasons must track their days in the Schengen zone to avoid overstaying. Businesses that send employees abroad will also need to monitor trips closely, including personal holidays, to ensure they don’t affect future business travel eligibility.
It’s also worth noting that providing biometric data is mandatory. If someone refuses to comply with the process at the border, they will be denied entry to the Schengen area.
