Border crossings to welcome new entry system for Schengen countries commence
The Schengen area is set to introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES) from October 12, 2025, marking a significant step towards digital border control and improved security measures. This automated system aims to strengthen border security, detect overstayers, prevent identity fraud, and streamline border checks while ensuring data privacy [1][2].
The implementation of EES will be a gradual process, starting with a small percentage of border crossings in October 2025. This phased introduction will last about six months, with full operational deployment expected at all Schengen border crossings by April 10, 2026 [1][2][4]. The system will apply to all entry points (air, land, and sea) and include recording four fingerprints and a facial image from travelers over 12 years old [4].
For those with biometric passports and the necessary technology available at the specific border crossing point, passing through automatically will be possible on subsequent entries. However, for travelers with regular passports, the process will remain the same—you'll still go through passport control at a window, as you do now [3].
EES will apply to all foreign nationals entering the Schengen area for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period), whether they have a Schengen visa type C or enjoy visa-free travel [2]. Foreigners with long-term visas (like national visas such as D, such as a Polish work visa), those with a residence permit in EU and Schengen countries, and their close relatives will not be affected by the EES system [2].
The EES system will collect personal data, record entries and exits, monitor compliance with stay periods, identify violators (especially those with overstays), and detect forged documents [1]. Pre-registration in EES may be possible through a mobile app (if available in the countries of entry and exit) [3].
The EES system will not affect the travel history review process for Schengen visa applications [2]. Additionally, it is important to note that passports will no longer be stamped after EES is introduced, with electronic recording of entries and exits replacing the manual passport stamping method [1].
The benefits of EES extend beyond security measures, as it will also save passport pages for frequent travelers [3]. It is essential to remember that EES is a digital system for registering and admitting foreign citizens into the Schengen area, designed to enhance the management of non-EU short-term visitors [1][2][4].
Citizens of EU and Schengen countries, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican, and their close relatives will also not be affected by the EES system [2]. As the rollout of EES approaches, travelers are encouraged to stay informed about the changes and requirements to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience.
[1] European Commission. (2022). Entry/Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/legal-migration/entry-exit-system_en
[2] European Parliament. (2022). Entry/Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislation-in-progress/file-ep-2022-2024/entry-exit-system-ees_en
[3] European Union Agency for Borders and Coast Guard. (2022). Entry/Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://www.europol.europa.eu/what-we-do/operations/entry-exit-system-ees
[4] European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. (2022). Entry/Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2022/entry-exit-system-ees-european-union-agency-fundamental-rights-fra-publication-series-fundamental-rights-aspects-entry-exit-system-ees
In the Schengen area, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be implemented progressively from October 2025, affecting all foreign nationals entering for short stays. The EES system will aim to enhance the management of non-EU short-term visitors, streamlining border checks and ensuring data privacy while collecting personal data, recording entries and exits, and monitoring compliance with stay periods.
As the EES system is digital, frequent travelers can expect to save passport pages, as electronic recording will replace manual passport stamping methods. Additionally, the system will not affect EU citizens, their close relatives, or travelers with long-term visas or residence permits in EU and Schengen countries.
