Starting in October, the way travelers cross into Europe will change.
Passport stamps will disappear and be replaced by a faster and more secure digital system.
The new method will be gradually implemented over the coming months until all external borders of the Schengen area are covered.
What is the EES and when will it come into force?
The Entry-Exit System (EES) will begin operating on October 12, 2025. It will replace manual stamping with an automated electronic record.
Its implementation will be gradual over six months, until it is fully operational at all border crossings.
Who will be affected by this new system?
The EES is intended for citizens of non-EU countries who are on short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
It will apply to both those who require a visa and those who are exempt.
Holders of long-stay residence permits or visas and other specific groups provided for in European regulations are excluded.
What information will be recorded at each crossing?
The system will store the traveler's passport data, name, nationality, and date of birth. It will also include the entry and exit dates and locations, along with a facial image and fingerprints.
If entry is denied, the registry will retain the decision. All information will be protected under European privacy laws.
Why is the European Union implementing the EES?
The goal is to modernize controls and reduce waiting times at airports and border crossings.
Furthermore, the system will detect overstays and combat identity fraud, while strengthening the security of the Schengen Area.
In which countries will it be applied?
The EES will be used in 29 countries: 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.
What exceptions does the system contemplate?
Citizens of the above-mentioned countries, as well as those of Cyprus and Ireland, will not be registered.
Holders of long-stay national visas, valid residence permits, certain workers, students, and members of international crews will also be exempt.
What will the new process look like in practice?
At airports and land crossings, there will be automated kiosks for scanning passports and registering biometric data for the first time.
On subsequent trips, processing will be faster. Airlines will be able to check if a short-stay visa has exhausted its authorized entries.
What privacy guarantees do you offer?
Border and immigration authorities will have access to the database only for legal purposes.
Travelers may request correction or deletion of information, in accordance with European data protection regulations.
Will there be facilities for frequent travelers?
Some countries may create special programs for frequent travelers who meet certain requirements. These will allow for faster security clearance.
The deployment will begin on October 12 2025 and will conclude in April 2026, when the system will be fully operational at all borders within the Schengen area.