Published on
October 12, 2025
Starting today, Austria united with Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark and Finland have begun collecting fingerprints as part of the new European Entry/Exit System. This is a significant update for all travelers entering these countries. The EES aims to improve security and streamline the travel process by using biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition. With this change, travelers will now provide these biometrics at border checkpoints, which will be digitally linked to their passports. The system is designed to make travel more efficient, offering faster processing times at borders.
This shift is part of a larger plan to fully implement the EES by April 2026. Whether you’re heading for a vacation or a business trip, this update is something every traveler to these countries should know. It’s an important step towards modernizing Europe’s border controls.
What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated system designed to track travelers from outside the European Union (EU) entering and leaving the Schengen Area. The system primarily applies to non-EU nationals traveling to participating European countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It will be used to gather data from travelers to simplify the entry and exit process.
Starting in October 2025, travelers will be required to provide biometric data, such as a facial image and fingerprints, at automated kiosks or border control booths when entering or leaving the participating countries. This data will be stored in a digital record linked to the traveler’s passport. Over time, this will help facilitate smoother travel within these countries and reduce waiting times at border controls.
The full implementation of the EES will be completed by April 10, 2026, after which the process will become entirely digitized for all applicable travelers.
Who Is Affected by the Changes?
The EES will be applied to non-EU nationals visiting participating countries for short stays. This includes tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family members. Citizens of the UK, as well as other non-EU nationals, will be among those required to provide biometric data when entering or exiting any of the participating countries.
The European Union has confirmed that travelers from the following countries will be subject to the EES rules:
AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCzechiaDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandItalyLatviaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenSwitzerland
The process will not be fully digitized from day one. For the first few months, travelers will still go through the traditional passport stamping process alongside the biometric registration required by the EES.
The Role of Biometric Data Collection
A key feature of the EES is the collection of biometric data. Upon arrival or departure from the Schengen Area, travelers will be required to provide biometric data at automated kiosks or border control booths. This includes facial recognition and fingerprints, which will be linked to a traveler’s passport details in a digital database.
Once the data is recorded, it will be stored and used to track the entry and exit movements of travelers within the Schengen Area. The system aims to simplify future border checks and improve security by quickly verifying identities and travel patterns. As the system develops, border control staff will be able to more efficiently process travelers without manual passport checks.
Security and Data Protection: How Will Your Data Be Handled?
Privacy and data protection are top priorities in the implementation of the EES. According to EU regulations, the data collected will be subject to strict data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This means travelers have the right to access their data, request corrections, or request that their data be deleted under certain circumstances.
Despite these protections, some limited data may be shared with international organizations or non-EU countries in cases of legal necessity, such as for security purposes. Travelers should be aware that while the system is designed with privacy in mind, their biometric data will be stored digitally and could be shared in accordance with legal requirements.
Who Is Exempt from EES?
While the new EES system applies to most non-EU nationals, there are certain exemptions. The following individuals do not need to register with the EES:
Nationals of European countries that are part of the EES system, such as Cyprus and Ireland.Non-EU nationals holding a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national.Non-EU nationals with a residence card or permit who are immediately related to a non-EU national with EU-like travel privileges.Non-EU nationals traveling to Europe as part of an intra-corporate transfer for the purpose of research, studies, training, pupil exchange, voluntary services, educational projects, or au-pairing.Travelers holding a residence permit or long-stay visa.Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino, and passport holders from the Vatican City State or Holy See.Diplomats or individuals with special privileges, including heads of state or individuals exempted from border checks under certain conditions.Will This Change Affect UK Tourists?
Yes, UK tourists will be affected by the new system, as they are now considered non-EU nationals following Brexit. The introduction of the EES will require UK tourists to provide biometric data when entering or leaving European countries using the system. This may increase the time spent at borders initially, though once the system is fully implemented, the process should become quicker and more efficient.
UK tourists should also be aware that these changes apply not only to travelers entering for leisure but also to those visiting for business or family purposes. The new regulations represent a significant change for anyone planning short trips to the Schengen Area.
Key Benefits and Challenges of the EESBenefits
The primary benefits of the EES are improved border security and streamlined travel. With biometric data linked to passports, border control will be able to identify travelers more quickly and efficiently, reducing wait times. The system also helps prevent identity fraud, making it harder for individuals to use fraudulent documents.
Challenges
However, the system presents some challenges. The rollout of the EES may cause delays as travelers adjust to the new biometric registration process. Some travelers may also be concerned about how their personal data will be stored and protected. Additionally, countries outside the Schengen Area are not immediately subject to these rules, meaning travelers entering via land borders or airports in non-EU states may not yet experience these changes.
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Travelers?
The implementation of the EES marks a major shift in how European countries manage border security and traveler data. While the system promises improved security and efficiency, it also raises concerns about data privacy and the potential for longer processing times in the early stages of the rollout. Travelers, especially from the UK, will need to familiarize themselves with the new biometric requirements, which may affect their travel experience in the coming months. As the system evolves, the EES has the potential to significantly streamline travel within Europe, but travelers must remain aware of their rights under EU data protection laws to ensure their personal data is handled responsibly.
Source: Manchester Evening News
