EU to start new entry/exit system from Oct 12

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) by European countries will start operations on October 12, 2025.

Data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points, with full implementation by April 10, 2026. 

A traveller arriving at a border crossing point for the first time since the EES started will have to provide their personal data. Passport control officers will scan your fingerprints or take a photo of your face. This information will be recorded in a digital file. According to Article 26 of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement and Article 13.3 of the Regulation (EU)2017/2226, before boarding, transport carriers are obliged to verify that non-EU nationals requiring a short-stay visa have one, and the number of entries authorised by their visa has not been exhausted.

This process can be quicker if you register some of your data in advance. 

The EES provides for automatic registration of non-EU nationals each time they cross a Schengen external border, a gradual reduction in waiting times at passport control, and simplification and automation of border procedures.

The EES applies to non-EU nationals traveling for a short stay of up to 90 days within 180 days to both visa-required travelers and Visa-exempt travelers.

The traveler must provide their documents and biometric data (facial images and fingerprints) at the self-service system and 

Where available, travelers with a biometric passport can present their travel documents at self-service systems. Border guards will help and/or oversee the process.

A border guard will verify the information received through the self-service system, ask questions if needed, and then authorize or refuse entry to the traveler, which will be recorded in the system.