Travellers heading to popular European destinations such as France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Poland, Croatia, Germany, and Romania will soon be subject to fingerprint and biometric checks at border crossings as the European Union (EU) prepares to launch its long-awaited Entry-Exit System (EES) in October 2025.
The updated system will eliminate passport stamping in favor of biometric data collection, enhancing security and streamlining travel tracking across the Schengen Area.
After years of delays, the EU is moving ahead with its plan to modernize border control through the EES.
The system targets non-EU travellers entering Schengen nations, requiring them to undergo fingerprint scanning and facial recognition to monitor migration patterns and reduce the risk of overstaying.
What Is the Entry-Exit System (EES)?
The Entry-Exit System is designed to digitize and automate border checks for travellers visiting Schengen countries.
Instead of relying on traditional passport stamps, the system will collect biometric information, such as fingerprints and facial photos, at airports, seaports, and land borders.
This aims to improve efficiency and uphold the 90/180-day stay rule, which governs how long non-EU nationals can remain within the Schengen Zone.
For example, a U.S. citizen traveling from Spain to Italy and then to Germany will have their movements logged by the system to ensure they don’t overstay the 90-day limit within 180 days.
Why the Change?
Under the current manual system, border officers stamp passports, a process prone to human error and manipulation. The EES will eliminate such vulnerabilities by automatically logging entry and exit data, making it easier to detect visa overstays or the use of fraudulent documents.
Using biometric verification, including fingerprint matching and facial scans, the system will ensure the traveller’s identity matches the information presented in their passport, tightening controls against irregular migration.
How Will the EES Work?
Once operational, travelers entering Schengen countries like France, Germany, or Croatia must scan their passports at automated gates, then submit their biometric data. While the process is expected to take only a few minutes, authorities warn of potential delays during the early implementation phase.
Travelers will not need to resubmit their data at every crossing. Once registered, the system will track entries and exits across all Schengen borders using the stored biometric records.
When Will It Launch?
The official rollout of the Entry-Exit System is scheduled for October 2025, though some countries may adopt a phased introduction.
Only some incoming travellers may register their biometric information in the initial stages, eventually expanding to full implementation across all Schengen nations.
What Travelers Should Know
If you’re planning to visit Europe on or after October 2025, be aware of the following:
- Biometric data (including fingerprints and a photograph) will be required at entry points.
- Passport stamping will be replaced entirely with digital tracking.
- The system will automatically enforce the 90/180-day rule—those who overstay may face fines or entry bans.
- The data collection will be quick, but longer queues are possible during the initial rollout.
- It is essential to monitor updates from EU authorities, as different countries may implement the system at different times.
Which Countries Are Affected?
The Entry-Exit System will be active across all 27 EU Schengen countries, plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
This includes nations such as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden.
The changes will significantly alter border control procedures, enabling better oversight of traveler movements and immigration compliance.
What About the UK?
The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Area and will not implement the EES. Instead, the UK introduced its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.
Visitors from countries like the United States must apply for an ETA before entering the UK, under a separate set of immigration protocols.
ALAMY
Bottom Line
Travelers heading to Europe after October 2025 should prepare for a new era of digital border checks. With the introduction of the EU Entry-Exit System, biometric screening will become a routine part of crossing into Schengen countries. While the changes aim to improve security and efficiency, staying informed and ready will be key to a smooth travel experience.
