Digital EU Border Control: Entry/Exit System (EES) launches October 2025

On 12 October 2025, the European Union will begin the phased implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES), a new digital registration system for all non-EU nationals entering or leaving the Schengen Area.

What will change with EES?

Instead of passport stamps, fingerprints and facial images will be collected at the border. Entry and exit data will be registered automatically, enabling authorities to more effectively monitor compliance with the 90/180-day rule and to detect violations more quickly.

The system will be rolled out in phases and will be fully enforced as of 9 April 2026. Some Member States may choose to implement the system earlier. Travellers should anticipate longer wait times, especially during the initial phase.

This change is particularly relevant for:

• Individuals who frequently travel to the Schengen Area for work or family visits
• Employers with staff on short-term assignments within Europe
• Travellers with a complex travel history or tight travel schedules

Exceptions

The EES does not apply to:

• Nationals of the European countries using the EES, as well as Cyprus and Ireland
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card or a residence permit and are immediately related to a non-EU national who can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen
• Non-EU nationals travelling to Europe as part of an intra-corporate transfer or for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au-pairing
• Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas
• Nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See
• People exempt from border checks or who have been granted certain privileges with respect to border checks (such as heads of state, accredited diplomats, cross-border workers, etc.). Diplomats travelling on short stay may be exempt from EES registration under certain conditions.
• People holding a valid local border traffic permit
• Crew members of passenger and goods trains on international connecting journeys

Following the introduction of the EES, the ETIAS system (a mandatory travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers) will also be launched in late 2026.

Feel free to contact us with any questions about how the EES and upcoming ETIAS system may affect your travel plans, (dual) citizenship status, or integration requirements.