Europe is on the verge of a significant transformation of its external borders. The much-discussed and repeatedly delayed Entry-Exit System (EES) of the European Union has officially commenced. Starting Sunday, October 12, 2025, the phased introduction of this digital entry and exit system begins, bringing profound changes for the millions of non-EU citizens who visit the Schengen Area annually. This system, which will eventually replace passport stamps, promises faster, more efficient, and, crucially, more secure border crossings. But what exactly is EES, who does it apply to, and how should you prepare for this digital leap?
What is the Entry-Exit System (EES)?
The Entry-Exit System is an automated IT system that registers the border control of citizens from outside the European Union (known as third-country nationals) who travel to a Schengen country for a short stay of a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.
Key facts to know:
- Not a replacement for passport control: EES does not replace the physical check by border officials but automates the registration process.
- Digital Stamp: Manual passport stamping will be gradually replaced by a digital log of entry and exit dates, along with the location of the crossing.
- Biometric Registration: For the first time, most non-EU citizens will need to register their biometric data at the border: a facial image and (for those aged 12 and over) fingerprints. This registration will take place via self-service kiosks or with a border official.
- Objectives: The EU calls the EES “the digital backbone of the new common asylum and migration framework.” The main goals are:
- Speed and Efficiency: Faster and more modern border controls through digitisation.
- Security: Identifying overstayers (people exceeding their allowed duration of stay), preventing irregular movements, and combating identity and document fraud.
- Data Usage: The collected data can be used by border, visa, and immigration authorities, as well as local police and Europol for law enforcement and security purposes.
Where and to Whom Does EES Apply?
The EES applies to the Schengen Area, which comprises 25 of the 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Popular holiday destinations such as Spain, France, Portugal, Greece, and Italy are included.
Exceptions: Ireland and Cyprus are EU member states but are not part of the Schengen Area and will continue to process passports manually for the time being.
The Target Group: Non-EU Nationals
The system targets non-EU citizens (travelers who are not nationals of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland) who travel for a short stay, whether they require a visa or not.
Important Exemptions
Although the system is being widely rolled out, there are several important exceptions where EES registration is not required. These include:
- Citizens of the European countries using EES, including Cyprus and Ireland.
- Non-EU citizens holding a residence permit or a long-stay visa for one of the Schengen countries.
- Holders of a residence card who are direct family members of an EU citizen.
- Diplomats, Heads of State, and certain cross-border workers.
- Citizens of Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino, and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See.
Phased Implementation
The European Union has opted for a phased introduction to mitigate technical issues and minimise the impact on travel flows. Although the launch begins on October 12, 2025, the system must be fully operational for all non-EU travelers by April 10, 2026.
During this transition period, member states will continue to manually stamp travel documents as a backup. The EU aims for 10% of border crossings to be registered after one month, 35% after three months, and full coverage after six months.
Impact on Travel Routes: Dover, Eurotunnel, and Eurostar
The implementation of EES is happening at different speeds in various locations:
- Dover and Eurotunnel: Passengers traveling through the Port of Dover (coach and foot passengers) will use new EES processing facilities from the start date. For the Eurotunnel, this applies to coach passengers initially. While there have been concerns about long waiting times, both the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel claim to be fully prepared and do not anticipate excessive delays.
- Eurostar: The registration will be rolled out gradually. Pre-registration terminals have been installed at departure areas such as London St Pancras International. Eurostar has indicated that the time required for the process can be accommodated within the existing 75-minute check-in window.
- Aviation: Airports are implementing changes at different times. For example, Germany will phase in the service starting with a small airport in Stuttgart and then scale up operations at major hubs like Frankfurt.
Focus on Belgium: Brussels Airport
Brussels Airport (BRU), located in the heart of political Europe, has provided the necessary infrastructure to support the Federal Police, which is responsible for border control in Belgium. The investments are significant:
- 12 new border control booths at arrival to increase capacity.
- 33 cameras for facial imaging in all border booths.
- 61 pre-registration kiosks that can be used by non-European passengers to register certain data before reaching the control officer.
- 36 new e-gates (automated border passages).
In an initial phase in Belgium, only the date of entry and exit and passport data (such as passport number, flight number, etc.) will be recorded. The collection of biometric data will be introduced later. EES checks will initially occur at specific times, with the system expected to be fully operational for all non-EU travelers by April 10, 2026.
Brussels Airport is currently pushing for non-EU nationals of certain third countries to be allowed to use the new e-gates (at both arrival and departure) as soon as possible, as the use of e-gates significantly shortens waiting times at the border booths. For Belgian and European passengers, the border control process remains unchanged; they can continue to use the e-gates.
The Practical Operation: Step-by-Step Registration
Upon arriving at the border for the first time after the EES is in place in that member state, the traveler will use a self-service screen or kiosk to complete the registration.
The Registration Process:
- Passport Data: Registration of name, passport details, and the planned date and place of entry and exit.
- Biometrics (Face and Fingerprints): The machine will take a facial photo and scan the fingerprints (children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint scans).
- Digital File: After this initial registration, the data is stored in an EES file. On subsequent trips within the three-year retention period, the process should be quicker as the photo and fingerprints are already on file and only need verification.
Refusal of Registration: The EU is clear: if a person refuses to provide a picture or have their fingerprints taken, entry will be refused.
Data Protection and Security
The data collected digitally through the EES is generally retained for three years, after which it is erased (with some exceptions).
The stored information is accessible to border, visa, and immigration authorities, as well as local police and Europol, the EU agency for law enforcement. The EU stresses that the transfer of this sensitive information to countries outside Schengen or international organizations (such as a UN body) only takes place under strict conditions. The goal is to enhance security by closely monitoring who enters and exits the Schengen Area, aiding the fight against serious crimes and terrorism.
The Next Step: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
Starting from the last quarter of 2026, some 1.4 billion people from 59 visa-exempt countries and territories will be required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. This authorisation, known as ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), is linked to the traveler’s passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. With a valid ETIAS, travelers can enter the territory of these European countries as often as they want for short-term stays – normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
The ETIAS is similar to the US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and mirrors the eTA used by Canada and the NZeTA in New Zealand. Crucially, the United Kingdom also requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for most non-visa nationals for short stays (up to six months) and transit, which is valid for two years. These systems reflect a global trend toward digital pre-screening for visa-exempt travelers. However, possessing a valid authorisation like ESTA, ETIAS, or ETA does not guarantee entry; border guards will still verify that you meet all entry conditions upon arrival.
A New Era of Travel
The Entry-Exit System marks an inevitable shift toward digital border control in Europe. While the phased introduction and the additional initial registration time may cause some uncertainty or slight delays in the short term, the long-term vision is clear: more modern, faster, and safer border crossings.
For non-EU citizens who frequently travel to the Schengen Area, the one-time, initial registration will be an investment in the future. On subsequent trips within the three-year period, the process should be significantly smoother, ultimately leading to less time spent at the border and making it easier to comply with the 90/180-day rule, with full transparency regarding the allowed length of stay.
For more information on the Entry-Exit System, visit the official website of the European Union: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees/what-is-the-ees.
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