April 15th, 2025 at 05:24 am

European Union Set to Launch New Exit-Entry System in October 2025

The countdown has begun! After several delays, the European Union will launch the Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025. This new system will significantly change how non-EU nationals enter and exit the 29 participating Schengen countries.

This is not just another passport check; it’s a transformative measure that could affect millions of travelers.

The EES and Why It Is Important

The EES is an automated biometric border control system designed to combat overstays in the Schengen Area and improve border security. It will replace the manual passport stamping process with a high-tech digital system that logs:

• Name and passport information
• Photographs and fingerprints
• Date and place of entry and exit

In essence, your movements will be closely monitored.

Who Will Be Affected?

If you are from outside the EU, including citizens of the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, or any other visa-exempt country, you will be enrolled in the system. There are two primary categories of travelers impacted:

• Short-stay visa holders
• Visa-exempt travelers (up to 90 days within any 180 days)

Once registered, your biometric data will remain stored for three years. Your first trip may take longer, but subsequent entries will be much quicker.

Changes at the Borders

Say goodbye to ink stamps! Under the EES, when crossing a Schengen external border, you will use e-gates where you will:

• Scan your passport
• Provide fingerprints
• Have your photo taken

This data will be automatically matched against your previous entries and exits. Overstay your allotted time by even one day? The system will know, and this could jeopardize future travel to Europe.

Participating Countries in the New EES

The EES will apply to all 29 Schengen countries, including:

• Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
• Exemptions: Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen Area and will continue manual passport stamping.

Expected Rollout Timeline

EU officials have announced a “progressive start of operations” beginning in October 2025. This means that the system will not be implemented everywhere at once. Instead, countries will phase in the technology over six months, gradually making e-gates the standard.

Implications for Travelers and Businesses

• Avoid Overstaying: Each entry and exit counts. Violating your allowed 90 days or the terms of a short-stay visa can lead to serious consequences, including entry bans.
• Plan for Work Trips: Companies sending employees to Europe must track every Schengen visit, including holidays. This will help avoid unintentional overstays during business travel.
• Refusal to Enroll Means No Entry: Travelers who refuse to provide their biometric data at the border will be denied entry into the Schengen Area.

The EES represents a significant shift in how border control operates in Europe. As the launch date approaches, travelers should prepare for these changes to ensure a smooth journey.