EU Confirms New Biometric Border Checks for Travellers Entering the Schengen Zone From October 2025
Travellers heading to popular European destinations such as France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Poland, Croatia, Germany, and Romania will face fingerprint and facial recognition checks at border crossings starting October 2025, as the European Union (EU) prepares to roll out its long-awaited Entry-Exit System (EES).
The new biometric border control system will replace traditional passport stamping, aiming to enhance security, streamline immigration tracking, and improve compliance across the Schengen Area.
Biometric System to Replace Passport Stamping
After years of delays, the EU is pressing forward with its plan to modernise border controls through the EES, targeting non-EU nationals travelling into Schengen countries. The system will collect biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, to monitor migration patterns and reduce overstays.
What Is an Entry-Exit System?
The Entry-Exit System (EES) is designed to digitise and automate border procedures. Rather than stamping passports, authorities will scan biometric identifiers at airports, seaports, and land borders. This change is intended to enforce the 90/180-day rule, which allows non-EU travellers to remain within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
For instance, a U.S. citizen travelling between Spain, Italy, and Germany will have their movements digitally logged, ensuring they do not exceed permitted stay limits.
Why Is the EU Making the Change?
The current manual passport-stamping system is vulnerable to human error and manipulation. The EES aims to eliminate these flaws by automatically logging entry and exit records.
By integrating fingerprint matching and facial recognition, the system will verify each traveller’s identity against their passport data, reducing the risk of fraudulent entry or irregular migration.
How Will the Entry-Exit System Work?
Upon arrival in Schengen countries such as France, Germany, or Croatia, travellers will use automated passport gates and provide their biometric information. While the process is expected to take just a few minutes, authorities have warned of possible delays during the initial implementation phase.
Travellers will not need to resubmit their biometric data at each border crossing. Once registered, the system will track entries and exits across all Schengen countries using stored biometric records.
Official Rollout Set for October 2025
The Entry-Exit System is set to officially launch in October 2025, with some countries expected to adopt it in phases. In the early stages, only certain travellers may be required to register their biometric data, with full deployment expected across all Schengen nations.
What Travellers Need to Know
If you’re planning a trip to Europe after October 2025, here are the key updates:
- Biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) will be mandatory at entry points.
- Passport stamps will be replaced with digital tracking.
- The 90/180-day rule will be enforced automatically.
- Those who overstay may face fines or be banned from entry.
- The process will be quick, but longer queues may be possible during the rollout.
- Different EU countries may implement the system at different times, so stay updated.
Which Countries Will Be Affected?
The EES will apply across all 27 EU Schengen countries, plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. This includes:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden.
These changes will significantly transform border control procedures, enabling better tracking of traveller movements and stricter immigration enforcement.
What About the UK?
The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Area and will not implement the EES. Instead, it has introduced its own Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. Visitors from countries like the United States must apply for an ETA before entering the UK, under a separate immigration framework.
Bottom Line
Travellers planning to enter Europe from October 2025 onward should prepare for a new digital border experience. The EU’s Entry-Exit System will make biometric screening a routine requirement at Schengen borders. While the update promises enhanced security and greater efficiency, preparation and awareness will be crucial for a hassle-free journey.