Published on
October 7, 2025
Germany joins Luxembourg, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, and more as the UK issues an urgent travel advisory in anticipation of the Entry/Exit System activation because this new system, starting this Sunday, will significantly impact travel across the Schengen Area. With biometric data collection and new border procedures set to roll out, the UK government is advising travelers to prepare for longer processing times and to ensure their passports and travel documents meet the new requirements. The EES is designed to enhance border security and streamline entry and exit procedures, but its implementation may cause initial delays as travelers adjust to the new system.
As of this Sunday, October 12, 2025, several European countries, including Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, and the Netherlands, will be the first to implement the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES). The UK government has issued a new, urgent travel advisory to prepare British nationals and other travelers for the new system, which promises to change the way entry and exit procedures are handled for short-term visitors to the Schengen Area. This system will roll out gradually and is expected to impact millions of travelers. For those planning to visit these countries and other Schengen zones, it’s essential to understand how these changes will affect travel, visa requirements, and border processes.
The EES aims to improve security across the Schengen Area, streamline border procedures, and combat overstays. However, the rollout is causing some concerns among travelers about longer wait times, additional requirements at the border, and how it will impact short-term travel across European borders.
What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an EU-wide digital system that will track the entry and exit times of travelers entering and leaving the Schengen Area. The system will require biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs, to be collected from all non-EU citizens entering the area for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). It is designed to ensure that border checks are both more efficient and secure.
Key Features of the EES:
Biometric Data Collection: Travelers will have their fingerprints and photographs taken at the border.
Faster Processing: The system aims to speed up entry and exit processes by replacing manual passport stamping with biometric tracking.
Increased Security: The system helps ensure that individuals do not overstay their 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen Area.
Gradual Rollout: The system will not be fully operational across all Schengen entry points by October 12, but it will be rolled out progressively.
The system is set to be fully implemented by 2026, and travelers should be prepared for potential delays as the new procedures take effect.
Germany Joins Luxembourg, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, and More
The UK government’s travel advisory comes ahead of the EES system’s activation in several European countries. As part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to enhance border management, Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, and the Netherlands are among the nations to fully integrate this new technology into their border control procedures. The UK has issued this advisory to ensure that travelers are informed of the changes, especially as some of the country’s most popular destinations become part of this digital transformation.
Countries Impacted by the EES:
Germany: A central hub for business, tourism, and cultural travel in Europe, Germany will be a key country in this EES rollout. Travelers entering via major airports like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin will be subject to biometric checks. The new system aims to reduce processing times at these high-traffic entry points.
Luxembourg: This small yet economically significant country will also be implementing the EES. Known for its strong financial sector and proximity to both Belgium and France, Luxembourg’s border points will collect biometric data to streamline the movement of travelers across its borders.
Denmark: With Copenhagen being a prominent destination for tourists and business travelers alike, Denmark’s airports and border control will require biometric data for entry and exit. The system will add efficiency to the processing at busy border points, which are often a transit hub for travel throughout Scandinavia.
Hungary: Budapest is one of the most popular cities for short-term visits in Central Europe, and the EES will be fully active here. With the growing influx of travelers to Hungary for tourism, cultural events, and business conferences, the EES aims to ensure a smoother and safer travel experience.
Italy: As one of Europe’s most visited destinations, Italy is gearing up for the full implementation of the EES. With major tourist attractions, such as the Colosseum in Rome, Venice’s canals, and Milan’s fashion districts, the biometric system will help streamline the border experience while enhancing security. The Italian authorities are expected to roll out the system efficiently in major airports like Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa.
Netherlands: Known for its vibrant cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, the Netherlands is a key European destination for travelers. The implementation of the EES will enhance security at border control, with additional biometric checks becoming the norm for tourists and other short-term visitors.
UK’s Travel Advisory: What You Need to Know
The UK’s travel advisory offers several key points that travelers should be aware of before embarking on their journey to countries implementing the Entry/Exit System:
1. Passport and Visa Requirements:
Travelers will still need to meet all visa and passport validity requirements for the Schengen Area. For example, passports must be valid for at least three months after the date of departure from the Schengen Area. Any documents that do not meet these requirements will result in denial of entry.
Travelers should also ensure they are within the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen Area within any 180-day period. Overstays will result in penalties, including possible bans from entering the Schengen Area for up to three years.
2. Biometric Data Collection:
Starting October 12, travelers to Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, and the Netherlands will need to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs, at the border. This will replace the traditional passport stamping system.
Children under 11 will not be required to provide fingerprints but will need their photographs taken for registration.
3. Increased Wait Times at Border:
Due to the new biometric checks, travelers may experience longer wait times at the border. Travelers should be prepared for delays, especially during the initial phase of the system’s rollout. Be sure to plan extra time for airport check-ins and connections.
4. Possible Delays as EES Rolls Out:
Not all border points will be fully equipped with the EES system immediately. Some airports, especially those in high-traffic areas, may experience delays during the initial phase of implementation. It is advisable to arrive early at the airport and expect some additional processing time.
5. Stay Informed About Changes:
Since the EES system is being rolled out gradually, travelers should keep an eye on any updates or changes to travel requirements. The UK government advises travelers to stay informed by checking official travel advisories and updates from the embassy.
6. Terrorism Threat and Safety Concerns:
The UK also continues to advise caution due to the heightened threat of terrorism in various European countries, including Germany, France, and Belgium. Although the Schengen Area is generally safe for tourists, travelers should stay vigilant and follow local authorities’ safety advice, especially in busy areas or tourist attractions.
Practical Tips for Travelers
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience under the new EES system, here are some practical tips for all travelers entering Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, and other Schengen countries:
– Check Passport Validity:
Ensure that your passport meets the requirements for entry. It should be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave the Schengen Area, and your passport should not have expired more than 10 years ago.
– Book Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is highly recommended, particularly in light of the new system. It should cover emergencies, trip cancellations, and any medical needs while traveling.
– Be Prepared for Biometrics:
The new biometric checks will take a few extra minutes, so make sure to factor this into your travel time. Children will not have their fingerprints scanned, but they may be photographed.
– Stay Updated on Border Policies:
Since the EES is being phased in, some border points may have different requirements or experiences than others. Stay informed by checking with your travel provider or the respective country’s immigration authority.
– Use the EES to Your Advantage:
While the rollout may cause initial delays, the long-term benefits of the EES will include faster and more efficient processing at the borders. This system will eventually replace traditional passport stamping, ensuring smoother travel for future visits.
– Keep Records of Entry and Exit:
If your passport lacks an entry or exit stamp, keep boarding passes or tickets as evidence to prove when and where you entered or exited the Schengen Area. This will help avoid penalties for overstaying.
With the new Entry/Exit System set to take effect on October 12, 2025, travelers to Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, and the Netherlands should be prepared for significant changes at the border. While these changes may cause some initial delays, they are designed to enhance security and streamline border control processes for millions of visitors to the Schengen Area.
As the system is gradually rolled out, travelers should stay informed about the requirements and allow extra time for processing at border points. The UK government’s urgent travel advisory serves as a timely reminder to prepare for these changes, ensuring that your travel experience remains smooth and secure.
Germany joins Luxembourg, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, and more as the UK issues an urgent travel advisory in anticipation of the Entry/Exit System activation this Sunday, as the new system will introduce biometric data collection and change border procedures across the Schengen Area. Travelers are advised to prepare for potential delays and ensure their travel documents meet the updated requirements.
By following the new travel guidelines and understanding the Entry/Exit System, travelers will enjoy a more efficient and safe journey as Europe embraces this advanced border management system.
