Published on
September 16, 2025
By: Paramita Sarkar
Starting on October 12, 2025, all non-EU nationals—whether visa holders or visa-exempt travelers—will experience a new form of border control when entering or leaving Europe. Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden will be among the first to fully implement the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace traditional manual passport stamps with biometric checks. This system is set to impact millions of international travelers who enter the EU from around the world.
For non-EU nationals, this will mean undergoing biometric registration upon arrival or departure from EU countries. The data collected will include fingerprints, facial images, travel document information, and the dates and locations of entry and exit. Additionally, any refusals of entry will also be digitally recorded in the system, enabling more accurate monitoring of who enters and exits the region.
The Introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES)
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is designed to collect and store biometric data and other important details about non-EU nationals as they cross the borders of Europe. Instead of manually stamping passports, border authorities will capture biometric identifiers such as fingerprints and facial images from travelers. Along with biometric data, the system will record personal information, including names, nationality, travel document details, and entry/exit timestamps.
One of the system’s primary objectives is to enhance border security by providing authorities with more reliable data than manual passport stamps currently allow. It is also aimed at reducing identity fraud, making it easier to detect overstays, and improving the overall security of the EU’s borders. In addition, the system will help reduce the administrative burden on border agents, enabling a more automated, efficient system for both travelers and authorities.
The introduction of automated gates and self-service kiosks at many EU border points will expedite the entry process for legitimate travelers, making the process faster and more efficient. The new system will be operational at all external border points, including airports, seaports, and land border crossings, throughout Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden.
Gradual Implementation Starting October 12, 2025
The implementation of the Entry/Exit System will begin gradually on October 12, 2025. First-time entrants to the EU will need to provide their biometric data at border control points. Returning travelers will only need to undergo verification, as their data will already be stored in the system. Full implementation across all 29 EU countries, including these six lead countries, is expected to be completed by April 2026.
This timeline is designed to ensure a smooth transition to the new system, allowing both authorities and travelers to adjust to the new procedures. In the initial phase, travelers may experience slightly longer processing times, but these should decrease as the system becomes fully operational and more efficient.
Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden Leading the Rollout
The Entry/Exit System will be deployed across all external borders of Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden. This includes land borders, airports, and seaports. The system will be implemented in both Schengen and non-Schengen areas, ensuring that all non-EU nationals traveling to and from these countries are subject to the new biometric data collection process.
With its strategic location and high volume of international travelers, these countries will play a significant role in shaping the future of border control across Europe. By leading the way in this new border security initiative, they are setting an example for other EU member states to follow.
Enhancing Border Security and Efficiency
The Entry/Exit System is being introduced primarily to improve border security across Europe. The new system will provide better tools for tracking travelers and detecting overstays. Manual passport stamping has been susceptible to errors and fraud, but biometric data offers a much more accurate and secure way of identifying individuals entering and exiting the EU. This is particularly important in the fight against identity fraud, human trafficking, and other forms of cross-border crime.
The system also aims to make the travel experience easier and faster for legitimate travelers. The introduction of automated gates and self-service kiosks will reduce waiting times at borders and allow travelers to move through more quickly and efficiently. The system will also improve the management of entry and exit records, helping to streamline immigration processes for non-EU nationals.
Additionally, by storing digital records of refusals of entry, the system helps authorities keep track of individuals who may attempt to re-enter the EU after being denied entry, improving long-term border control efforts.
The New Biometric Registration Process
The process for entering or exiting Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden will be straightforward. When crossing the border, non-EU nationals will be required to submit their biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, at designated border control points. This data will be matched with the travel documents provided, and once validated, travelers will be granted entry or exit.
For frequent travelers, the process will be even faster. Returning travelers will not need to resubmit their biometric data, as their details will already be stored in the system. Instead, they will only need to undergo a quick verification process. In addition to biometric data, travelers’ names, travel document details, and entry and exit timestamps will be stored digitally in the EES database.
A Smarter and Safer Europe
The implementation of the Entry/Exit System across Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden represents a significant shift in the way Europe manages its borders. By incorporating biometric data collection into the border control process, the EU aims to make its borders more secure, efficient, and traveler-friendly. While there may be some initial delays during the transition to the new system, the long-term benefits of improved security, faster processing, and more reliable data will ultimately lead to a smoother travel experience for all.
As these six countries lead the way in implementing the system, other EU member states are expected to follow suit, gradually introducing the Entry/Exit System across the entire European Union. With this initiative, Europe is taking an important step toward modernizing its border security infrastructure and ensuring a safer, more efficient travel experience for all.
