Tuesday, May 27, 2025
The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), launching in October 2025, will streamline border controls. UAE travelers must prepare for faster, digitalized entry and exit processes.
Bid Farewell to Schengen Passport Stamps: Tourists to Encounter E-Gates and Biometric Screening in Europe
If you’re a UAE resident planning a trip to Europe in the near future, a significant shift in border control procedures will affect your journey. Beginning in October 2025, the European Union will roll out the Entry/Exit System (EES), a sophisticated automated platform aimed at monitoring and managing the movement of non-EU nationals traveling to and from the Schengen Area. This comprehensive guide covers the details of the EES, how it functions, and the potential impact it will have on your travels.
What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a cutting-edge, automated border control system that aims to track the entry and departure of non-EU nationals crossing the Schengen Area’s external borders. This system will apply to both individuals who need a short-stay visa to enter the Schengen Area and those who do not, such as many UAE passport holders.
When you pass through a participating country’s border, the EES will collect and store essential details, including:
Your complete nameInformation from your travel documentBiometric data, such as fingerprints and a facial scanThe date and location of your entry or exit
This information will be retained for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The EES is intended to replace the traditional method of passport stamping, improving security and allowing for more effective tracking of overstays.
When Will the EES Be Activated?
While the system is still being prepared, the European Commission has confirmed that the EES will become operational in October 2025. The exact date of implementation will be announced well in advance, providing travelers sufficient time to familiarize themselves with the new process.
Which Countries Will Participate in the EES?
The EES will be applied when you cross the borders of any of the 29 countries that are part of the Schengen Area. These countries include:
AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCzechiaDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandItalyLatviaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenSwitzerland
For instance, if you’re flying from the UAE to France or crossing into Germany by land, your entry and exit will be logged in the EES system.
Key Points to Keep in Mind:Internal borders within the Schengen Area will not be affected by the EES.Ireland and Cyprus, though part of the EU, will not use the EES. Manual passport stamping will still occur in these countries.How Will the EES Affect UAE Residents?
For UAE residents or passport holders, several notable changes will occur when traveling to Europe:
Biometric Data on First Entry – On your first trip to a Schengen country after the EES goes live, you will be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a facial scan. This process will only need to be done once, unless your passport is renewed or replaced.End of Passport Stamps – Instead of receiving manual stamps, your entry and exit will be electronically recorded. This system aims to strengthen the enforcement of the 90/180-day rule, which permits non-EU nationals to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.Quicker Border Crossing (in the long run) – Over time, the EES is expected to speed up border crossing procedures by using automated e-gates and streamlining the process. However, during the initial implementation phase, travelers may experience longer waiting times, especially at busy entry points and airports.Who Must Register in the EES?
The EES will apply to all non-EU nationals traveling to Schengen Area countries that are part of the system. This includes individuals who:
Need a short-term visa to access the Schengen AreaAre visa-exempt for short visits (such as UAE passport holders)
Each time you enter or exit a Schengen country, or if you are denied entry, the system will record the relevant data, ensuring that your travel movements are properly tracked.
What Does This Mean for Your Future Travels?
For UAE residents, the introduction of the EES marks a major shift in how border control will function in Europe. The transition to electronic tracking and biometric data collection promises to make travel more efficient and secure, although some initial delays may occur as the system is rolled out across various borders.
It’s important to stay informed about how the EES will affect your travels, especially regarding how biometric data will be processed and what new border procedures may be introduced. By preparing in advance, you can ensure a smoother and faster journey when traveling to European destinations.
The EES represents a significant step toward modernizing the Schengen Area’s border control systems. For UAE residents, understanding the changes this system will bring is crucial for smooth and hassle-free travel to Europe. Familiarizing yourself with the EES will ensure you’re well-prepared to navigate this new process and make your future trips more efficient and secure.
