Published on
August 12, 2025 |
Starting October 12, the European Union will roll out its highly anticipated entry-exit system (EES), marking a significant change for tourists and business travelers alike. This new system, which connects every border in the Schengen area to a central database, will introduce biometric checks for all non-EU nationals, including those from the UK, as part of the post-Brexit regulations.
The EES aims to track entry and exit data more accurately, reducing illegal stays and strengthening security across the EU borders. The system will register biometric data—such as fingerprints and facial scans—during a traveler’s first crossing. In subsequent crossings, only facial scans will be required.
What’s Changing for Travelers and Tourists
For tourists, this means a new level of border scrutiny when entering or leaving the Schengen area. The biometric checks will apply to anyone coming from non-EU countries, such as the UK, and will be part of the border process at every entry point within the Schengen zone.
The new entry-exit system has two primary goals:
Security: To help identify suspected criminals and individuals overstaying their visas.Travel Regulation: To monitor and enforce the 90-day limit on stays within a 180-day period for travelers from third countries.
Initially, not all travelers will be subject to the biometric checks, as only certain border points are equipped for the new procedures. Furthermore, only a proportion of travelers will be selected for scanning, meaning there might still be some exemptions during this first stage.
The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), set to begin phased implementation on October 12, 2025, will impact travelers from third countries entering the Schengen Area. This system aims to enhance border security by electronically recording entry and exit data, including biometric information, for non-EU nationals.
What is Schengen Area
The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have abolished internal border controls, allowing for the free and unrestricted movement of people within the area. This agreement, named after the Schengen village in Luxembourg where the original accord was signed in 1985, has expanded over time to include both European Union (EU) and non-EU countries.
Schengen Area Countries Affected by the EES
The EES will apply to the following 29 countries:
EU Member States (Schengen Area)AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandItalyLatviaLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaNetherlandsPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenNon-EU Schengen CountriesIcelandLiechtensteinNorwaySwitzerland
These countries will implement the EES to monitor and record the entry and exit of third-country nationals, aiming to improve border security and manage the 90/180-day rule for short stays.
Countries Not Participating in the EES
The following EU member states are not part of the Schengen Area and will not be affected by the EES:
IrelandBulgariaRomaniaCroatiaCyprus
Additionally, microstates like Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City are not part of the Schengen Area and will not implement the EES.
What Travelers Need to Know
Starting October 12, 2025, non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area will undergo biometric registration, including facial scans and fingerprints, at external borders. This data will be stored for three years and used to track entries and exits. Travelers should be prepared for potential delays during the initial rollout phase.
Benefits of the Schengen AreaFree Movement: Citizens and residents can travel across member states without passport or ID checks.Economic Integration: Facilitates trade and business operations across borders.Enhanced Cooperation: Improves coordination on security and law enforcement matters.Challenges Facing the Schengen Area
The Schengen Area, established to facilitate free movement across European borders, faces several challenges that impact its effectiveness and unity. These challenges stem from security concerns, migration pressures, and the complexities of maintaining open borders among member states.
1. Reintroduction of Internal Border Controls
In response to various crises, several Schengen states have reintroduced internal border controls, which contradict the fundamental principle of free movement. As of May 2025, 11 Schengen countries had checks at internal borders due to threats related to irregular migration and internal security.
2. Disparities in Migration Management
Member states exhibit varying approaches to migration, leading to inconsistencies in policy implementation. This disparity can cause tensions among countries and challenges in managing asylum applications and border security effectively.
3. Security Threats and Terrorism
The Schengen Area’s open borders can be exploited by individuals intending to commit acts of terrorism. The free movement policy complicates efforts to track and prevent such threats, necessitating enhanced cooperation and intelligence sharing among member states.
4. Technological and Privacy Concerns
The implementation of biometric systems and automated decision-making at borders raises concerns about data privacy and human rights. There is a need to balance security measures with the protection of individual freedoms.
5. Environmental and Social Impacts
The construction of physical barriers along borders, such as fences, has environmental consequences, including habitat disruption for wildlife. These measures also affect local communities and can strain relations between neighboring countries.
6. Operational and Financial Costs
Maintaining border security and implementing control measures incur significant costs. The European Parliament estimates that border controls disrupt the free flow of people, goods, and services, affecting commuters, tourists, and transport companies, with costs ranging from €25 to €50 billion in one-off expenses and €2 billion in annual operating costs.
7. Legal and Institutional Challenges
The Schengen Area’s legal framework allows for the temporary reintroduction of border controls under exceptional circumstances. However, the prolonged use of such measures by some member states raises questions about the interpretation and enforcement of Schengen rules, potentially undermining the system’s integrity.
Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated approach among Schengen member states, balancing security concerns with the preservation of the fundamental freedoms that the area represents. Ongoing reforms and discussions aim to strengthen the Schengen Area’s resilience and ensure its continued success.
Impact on Business Travelers
Business travelers will also need to adapt to the changes brought on by the EES. As companies increasingly rely on cross-border work and corporate travel within the EU, it’s important for employees to understand the biometric processes and the impact on their travel time. For some, these checks may add extra time at the border, particularly at peak travel periods.
There is also the potential for disruptions due to the initial rollout of the system, as some EU borders may not be fully equipped to handle large volumes of biometric scans right away. Business travelers should plan ahead and factor in the possibility of delays, especially during the first few months of implementation.
Will You Need Travel Insurance for the EU?
There has been some confusion in the media regarding the need for travel insurance to enter the EU, particularly following comments made by political figures. However, based on current EU regulations and advice from travel industry experts, there is no evidence to suggest that holidaymakers or business travelers will need to prove they have travel insurance in place at border crossings.
The European Commission has not issued any mandates requiring such proof for short-term visitors. However, individual countries within the EU may introduce their own requirements, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest travel advisories for specific countries.
For now, travelers can proceed as they have in the past, without the worry of additional insurance checks at the border. It’s still advisable, however, to have comprehensive travel insurance for peace of mind while traveling, especially when traveling to regions with known risks.
Step-by-Step Guidelines for TravelersPrepare Your Biometric Data: On your first entry into the Schengen area, ensure you are prepared to provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial scan). Future trips will only require a facial scan.Know Your Travel Limits: Be aware of the 90-day limit on stays within a 180-day period for third-country nationals. The EES will help enforce this regulation, so make sure to monitor your travel days.Plan Ahead for Border Delays: While the system is still being rolled out, some travelers may experience delays, especially during peak times or at border points that are not yet equipped with the necessary technology.Check Local Travel Insurance Requirements: Although there is no EU-wide requirement for travel insurance, check your destination’s specific guidelines. It’s also worth considering comprehensive travel coverage for the duration of your trip.Use Technology to Your Advantage: Download the ETIAS app once it becomes available (no earlier than October 2026) to streamline your travel process. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will help pre-authorize travelers entering the EU.What Else Should You Know?ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System): This will become mandatory for third-country nationals entering the Schengen area starting in 2026. Travelers will need to apply for authorization online before departure.Cross-border Travel in the Schengen Area: While the EES will apply to travelers entering the Schengen zone, once inside, free movement remains available to visitors moving between Schengen countries.Busiest Travel Times: Expect longer waits at popular entry points during busy travel seasons, such as summer holidays, and weekends. Business travelers, in particular, should avoid peak hours for smoother entry.Key Points to RememberThe entry-exit system (EES) will be rolled out on October 12, introducing biometric checks for third-country nationals.The system aims to improve border security and regulate the 90/180 rule for visitors.Travelers should expect initial delays and prepare for the biometric scanning process, especially on their first crossing.While no EU-wide requirement for travel insurance has been issued, it’s recommended to have comprehensive coverage for added security.The ETIAS system, coming in 2026, will further streamline travel across the EU.Conclusion
The new entry-exit system in the EU promises increased security and smoother travel in the long run, but travelers should be prepared for changes. Understanding how the system works, what’s required at the borders, and the potential for delays will help you navigate your trip with ease. As the EU continues to improve border processes, business travelers and tourists alike can look forward to a more streamlined experience across the Schengen area in the future.
