LONDON – [Date: October 8, 2025] – Non-European Union (EU) citizens traveling to the Schengen Area are on the verge of a major shift in border procedures as the EU prepares to launch its new Entry/Exit System (EES). Starting October 12, 2025, the bloc will begin phasing in automated biometric checks, digitizing the border crossing process and ending the era of manual passport stamping.
The new system is a critical part of the EU’s push to modernize external border management, enhance security, and strictly enforce the 90-days-in-180-days short-stay limit for non-visa nationals, including citizens from countries like the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
The EES: Your First Trip Will Change
The EES is a centralized IT system that will register all non-EU nationals, whether they require a visa or not, who cross the external borders of the 29 Schengen member countries for a short stay.
Key Impacts on Travelers:
- Goodbye Passport Stamping: The traditional practice of manually stamping passports will be replaced with a digital record of entry and exit. Full abolition of stamping is expected by April 10, 2026.
- Biometric Data Collection (First Entry): On a traveler’s first entry after the system goes live, they will be required to register their biometric data. This includes:
- Fingerprints
- A Facial Image (photo)
- Personal details from their travel document.
- Future Trips are Faster: Once registered, travelers’ data will be stored for three years. Subsequent entries will only require a quick facial biometric verification or fingerprint scan at self-service kiosks or e-gates, promising a faster, more predictable border experience.
- Tracking the 90-Day Rule: The system automatically calculates and tracks a traveler’s maximum authorized stay, making it easier for border authorities to identify overstayers and enforce immigration rules.
The initial rollout will be progressive, starting on October 12, 2025, and is expected to be fully operational by April 10, 2026. Authorities are advising travelers to allow extra time for their first border crossing during this transition period due to the one-time biometric registration.
Who is Affected (and Who is Exempt)?
The EES applies to all non-EU/Schengen nationals traveling for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
The Next Major Change: ETIAS in 2026
The EES is the first of two major digital changes. It will be followed by the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is slated to become operational in late 2026.
- What is ETIAS? ETIAS is a new, mandatory pre-travel authorization—similar to the ESTA in the US—for currently visa-exempt nationals.
- What will it require? Travelers will need to apply online, provide personal and trip details, and pay a small fee (expected to be €7 for most applicants) before traveling to Europe. The authorization will be digitally linked to the passport and generally valid for three years.
Once both EES and ETIAS are fully implemented, the EU’s external border security framework will be significantly tightened, leveraging digital tracking and advance vetting to improve security and efficiency across the Schengen Area. Travelers are encouraged to check official EU sources and their travel providers for the latest implementation updates.
