BRUSSELS, October 10, 2025: The European Union will implement its new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) starting 12 October 2025, marking a major shift in how non-EU nationals are processed at the bloc’s external borders. The system will apply across the Schengen area, covering 27 European countries excluding Ireland and Cyprus, and including associated states such as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The EES is designed to replace traditional passport stamping by creating a digital record of each traveller’s entry and exit.
Upon their first arrival, non-EU travelers will be required to register biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, alongside personal information and travel document details. These records will be stored in a centralized database and remain valid for three years or until the passport expires. The rollout will begin at major border crossings, airports, seaports, and land checkpoints with full implementation scheduled by 10 April 2026. During this transitional period, manual passport stamping may still occur at some locations. The system will be active at all border entry points once the deployment is completed.
Authorities have confirmed that children under the age of 12 will not be fingerprinted but must have a photograph taken. Travelers who have already registered in the EES during a previous visit will only be required to undergo a facial recognition scan upon re-entry, streamlining the border process for repeat visitors. The EES will apply to all non-EU citizens traveling for short stays typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period whether they require a visa or not.
Biometric data collection mandatory for non-EU citizens
The system will automatically calculate each traveller’s duration of stay and verify compliance with the legal limits. Exit data will also be recorded to confirm that individuals leave the Schengen area within the permitted timeframe. At border crossings between the UK and France, such as the Port of Dover, Eurostar terminals, and the Eurotunnel, the French authorities will operate EES checks as part of their Schengen border procedures. These locations have begun preparations for the new system, including installation of biometric kiosks and additional staffing.
Initial implementation at these sites will prioritise freight and coach traffic before extending to private vehicles and pedestrian passengers. Airports across Europe, including Charles de Gaulle in Paris and Schiphol in Amsterdam, have also been equipping entry points with biometric verification equipment to accommodate the increased processing requirements. Border control agencies have been coordinating with airlines and transport operators to ensure readiness ahead of the October launch.
ETIAS system to follow EES launch in 2026
The European Union has stated that the EES has been developed in accordance with existing data protection laws. Access to stored biometric and personal data will be limited to authorised officials involved in border management, visa issuance, and law enforcement, with safeguards in place to prevent unauthorised use or disclosure. The system is separate from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which is expected to be introduced in 2026.
While the EES manages physical entry and exit data, ETIAS will function as a pre-travel authorisation requirement for visa-exempt travelers entering the Schengen area. The introduction of the EES is one of the most significant changes to European border control procedures in decades, requiring coordination between EU institutions, national authorities, and international travel operators. The initial operational period will be closely monitored to ensure system functionality and minimise border delays as the new procedures are adopted. – By EuroWire News Desk.