Published on
October 4, 2025
Starting October 2025, travellers from the UAE to Europe will encounter significant changes at Schengen Area borders due to the European Union’s introduction of a new Entry-Exit System (EES). This system, which will be gradually rolled out across all 29 Schengen countries by April 2026, replaces the traditional passport stamping process with a digital tracking system that records a traveller’s entry and exit. This shift is designed to enhance border security, reduce wait times, and better manage short-term stays for non-EU nationals. With countries like Hungary, Romania, Germany, France, Portugal, and Malta among the first to adopt the system, airlines like Emirates and Air Arabia are advising their passengers to prepare for potential delays and to stay updated on the new entry requirements, especially on their first trips after the system goes live.
New EU Entry-Exit System to Impact UAE Travellers from October 2025
Starting October 12, 2025, travellers flying from the UAE to Europe will experience a significant change at the Schengen area borders due to the introduction of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES). This system aims to replace the traditional method of passport stamping with a digital tracking process for individuals entering and leaving the Schengen area. Full implementation across all 29 participating countries is set to be completed by April 10, 2026.
Overview of the New System
The EES is designed to collect personal and biometric information from non-EU nationals who are visiting the Schengen area for short stays—up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The system will capture biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images. The first time travellers enter a Schengen country, their biometric details and passport information will be recorded into the system. Afterward, the system will automatically log their entry and exit, eliminating the need for repeated manual registration on subsequent trips.
Who Will Be Affected?
This new system is specifically targeted at non-EU nationals traveling to the Schengen zone for short-term visits. Citizens of the European Union (EU), Schengen area residents, and those holding long-term visas or residence permits will not be impacted by the changes. Therefore, it primarily affects travellers from countries like the UAE who do not fall under these categories.
Travel Advisory for UAE Passengers
Airlines such as Emirates and Air Arabia have issued guidance to passengers who are planning trips to the EU. They recommend allowing extra time at border control, especially for the first journey after the EES goes live, as border authorities will need some time to become fully acquainted with the new system. Additionally, travellers are advised to consult the official guidelines of their destination country to ensure smooth entry.
Key Features of the EES
The EES collects essential personal details including the traveller’s name, date of birth, nationality, and passport information. It also records entry and exit dates, the location of each crossing, and biometric data such as facial recognition and fingerprints. This information helps to streamline border management while enhancing security across the Schengen area.
On a traveller’s first visit, authorities will register biometric data and passport information. On future visits, this data will be automatically processed by the system, meaning that travellers will not need to undergo the same registration steps repeatedly. The system ensures efficient processing, allowing quicker passage through border control points.
Impact on Border Controls
The implementation of the EES is part of Europe’s broader efforts to modernize border management. By automating the entry and exit process, the EU aims to reduce waiting times at borders, improve security, and help authorities detect overstays and identify individuals who may have entered the region illegally. As biometric verification is now a standard part of the system, it will further strengthen the region’s security measures.
What Passengers Need to Know
For travellers, the process of entering Schengen countries will undergo a few key changes. Most importantly, they will be required to undergo biometric data collection (facial images and fingerprints) at the border on their first visit. After that, subsequent entries and exits will be automatically tracked by the system, eliminating the need for manual passport stamping.
Although the system will not require any prior registration, passengers should expect the biometric checks to be an additional step beyond the usual passport control. The EES system will not replace passport stamping immediately, and travellers may still experience some traditional procedures during the initial phase of the rollout.
Additionally, travellers should be aware that the data collected through the EES system will be valid for a period of three years from the last recorded crossing. If a traveller renews their passport during this time, the system will automatically update their information based on the biometric data collected during their most recent entry.
Insurance and Health Considerations
Although medical insurance is not mandatory for those travelling under the EES system, some border control points, such as those in France, may inquire about proof of coverage. While comprehensive travel insurance is not a requirement, it is strongly recommended to ensure adequate coverage in case of medical emergencies or other unforeseen events.
Countries Affected by the EES
The new system will apply to all Schengen Area countries, which include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Data Privacy and Security
The collection of biometric and personal data under the EES is governed by the EU’s strict data protection regulations. Access to this information is restricted to border, immigration, and visa authorities, law enforcement, and transport carriers, with very specific conditions under which the data may be shared with other countries or international organizations. The focus on protecting privacy and ensuring data security is a key aspect of the system.
Exemptions to the EES
Certain groups of travellers will be exempt from the new entry-exit process. This includes EU citizens, nationals from specific microstates (such as Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino), long-term visa or residence permit holders, as well as frequent travellers who may qualify for national facilitation programs. Researchers, students, and intra-corporate transferees are also among those who may benefit from exemptions or expedited procedures, depending on the country they are travelling to.
The upcoming implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System marks a significant shift in border control processes within the Schengen zone. While this will make border entry and exit more efficient, it is essential for travellers, especially those from the UAE, to familiarize themselves with the new requirements to ensure smooth travel. By understanding the system’s operation and allowing extra time at border controls, passengers can better navigate the changes and enjoy a more streamlined travel experience to Europe.
