EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is about to be introduced: What travelers need to know now

On October 12, 2025, the time has come: The European Union will officially launch the new Entry/Exit System (EES) – a digital entry and exit system that replaces passport stamps and uses biometric data to automate border controls at the EU's external borders (see Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 of the European Parliament and of the Council of November 30, 2017 on an Entry/Exit System (EES) ). Full implementation is planned for April 9, 2026. But what exactly is behind the new system – and what does it mean for travelers, especially from non-EU countries?

What is the EES?

The EES (Entry/Exit System) is an automated IT system for recording the entry and exit of third-country nationals – i.e., people who are not EU citizens – into the EU. Its aim is to modernize border controls while simultaneously monitoring compliance with the length of stay within the Schengen area. Instead of manually stamping passports as before, biometric data such as fingerprints and a facial photograph will be captured and securely stored. The system also documents the date, time, and place of entry and exit. This allows authorities to precisely check whether a stay exceeds the permitted 90 days within a 180-day period ( overstay ).

Who is affected?

The system applies to all travelers from non-EU countries who do not require a visa or are applying for a short-term visa—for example, citizens of Great Britain , the USA , Canada , or Ukraine . EU citizens are not affected by the EES . Children under 12 are also not required to provide fingerprints, but may have their photograph taken.

Travelers from third countries entering the Schengen area for the first time from October 12, 2025, must be prepared for this data to be collected at the border. It will be stored for up to three years.

Why is the EES being introduced?

With the EES, the EU is responding to new demands for security, efficiency, and control. The system is intended to:

• detect illegal entries and overstays at an early stage,

• Prevent identity fraud,

• and increase security at the EU’s external borders.

At the same time, the automation of border processes is also intended to speed up travel – at least in the long term. During the implementation phase, longer waiting times may occur, as biometric registration and manual stamping are sometimes still carried out in parallel.

What do travelers need to do?

If you wish to travel to the Schengen area from mid-October 2025 , please note the following points:

• Arrive at the airport or border on time – especially when entering the EES system for the first time.

• Check your passport for validity – it must still be presented.

• Please allow additional time, especially when collecting your biometric data for the first time.

• Make sure you do not exceed your 90-day limit in the Schengen area – the EES records your travel data down to the minute.

Relationship between EES and ETIAS

The EES is also a prerequisite for the introduction of ETIAS , the European Travel Information and Authorization System, which is scheduled to follow in 2026. ETIAS will be mandatory for many visa-free third countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. ETIAS is planned to be an electronic travel authorization, similar to the ESTA system in the United States. According to current EU information, the fee will be €20 per application.

Conclusion on the introduction of the EES

The Entry/Exit System marks the beginning of a new chapter in European border policy . The collection of biometric data at the external borders will make border crossings safer and more transparent—but also initially more complex. It is important for third-country nationals to prepare for the new procedures early on. VISAGUARD accompanies you through the upheaval in EU travel law. Whether it's application processing, monitoring deadlines, or visa advice: We bring clarity to complex procedures—digitally, reliably, and multilingually.