Published on
October 11, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Mexico, along with Canada, the US, and Brazil, is now preparing for the European Union’s game-changing border revolution-EU Entry/Exit System. This radical shift in border control will impact how travelers from these countries enter the EU.
The EU’s new system will bring revolutionary changes, EU Entry/Exit System, reshaping travel experiences for everyone. As Mexico, Canada, the US, and Brazil brace for this transformation, understanding these shifts is essential for seamless international travel.
The EU is introducing a system, EU Entry/Exit System that will dramatically alter the way borders are managed, affecting travelers from these key nations. Mexico, Canada, the US, and Brazil are among the countries most impacted by this upcoming change, and it’s critical for citizens to understand what’s coming. Here’s everything you MUST know to navigate the future of travel to the EU in light of this border revolution.
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES): Transforming Border Control for Safer and Smarter Travel Across Europe
The European Union (EU) is introducing a groundbreaking system for border management, known as the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). This digital advancement is set to transform how non-EU citizens enter and exit the Schengen Area, enhancing both security and efficiency. The EES, which will officially launch on October 12, 2025, aims to replace the traditional manual passport stamping process with an automated system, making travel across EU borders smoother and more secure.
This article explores the ins and outs of the EU Entry/Exit System, its features, objectives, and the benefits it promises to deliver to travellers and authorities alike. It also examines key data protection and legal considerations surrounding this new system.
What is the EU Entry/Exit System?
The EU Entry/Exit System is a new border management tool being implemented across the Schengen Area to enhance border security and streamline the entry and exit process for non-EU nationals. The system will automatically record the entry and exit of visitors from non-EU countries. It will capture essential biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, along with basic personal information like the traveller’s name, nationality, and travel document details.
This automated system aims to modernise the Schengen Area’s borders, which include 27 EU countries and several non-EU nations that have signed up to the Schengen agreement. The primary goal is to make border controls more efficient and secure by using digital technology to track travellers.
Canada: What’s Changing for Canadian Travelers?
As of now, Canadian citizens can enter the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This will not change in 2025, and Canadian travelers will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to most EU countries.
However, with the introduction of the EES in October 2025, Canadians will be required to submit biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) upon entry and exit. This means that when Canadians travel to the Schengen Area, their biometric data will be captured at border crossings, making the process more secure and efficient. The new system will digitize the entry and exit procedure, replacing the need for passport stamps.
While this doesn’t add any visa requirements for Canadian citizens, it does mean that travelers should expect a slightly different process at Schengen borders. The system will store biometric data in a secure database to ensure accurate records of all travelers.
Mexico: Visa Requirements and Biometric Data
Unlike Canadians, Mexican nationals will still need a Schengen visa for short stays in the EU, and this requirement will remain in place when the EES is introduced in October 2025. However, the EES will affect how Mexican travelers interact with EU borders. As part of the visa application process, Mexican citizens already submit their biometric data to EU authorities. This data will now be integrated into the EES system, which will allow for smoother entry and exit procedures.
When Mexican travelers reach a Schengen border, their biometric data will be checked against the information already stored in the system. This helps reduce the risk of fraud or identity theft. It also speeds up the process, as the system can quickly verify the traveler’s identity and validate their travel records.
Brazil: Visa-Free Travel and New Border Procedures
Brazilian citizens currently benefit from visa-free access to the Schengen Area for short stays, just like Canadians. Starting in October 2025, Brazilian travelers will also have to provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) when entering and leaving the Schengen Area. This data will be stored in the EES, which will help authorities monitor their stay in the EU and ensure that they don’t overstay the 90-day limit.
While the EES will replace manual passport stamps, the process will generally be quicker and more secure for Brazilian citizens. The system will automatically capture and store their biometric information, ensuring smooth and efficient border checks.
Exemptions to the EU Entry/Exit System
While the EES will apply to most non-EU travelers, there are certain exemptions to be aware of:
EU Citizens: EU nationals and their family members will not be subject to the EES.Long-Stay Visa Holders: Individuals with long-term visas or residence permits will not need to register under the EES.Diplomatic and Consular Staff: Diplomats and consular staff are exempt from the biometric data collection process.Other Special Cases: For example, children under 12 years of age and individuals with special needs are typically not required to provide biometric data.
Travelers who fall into these categories will not be subject to the same processes under the EES, so it is important for each individual to check if they qualify for an exemption before traveling.
How the EES Will Improve Travel for All
While the introduction of the EES may seem like a big change, it is designed to improve travel experiences for all visitors to the Schengen Area, including citizens from Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. Here’s how:
Faster Border Crossing: The EES will automate the entry and exit process, meaning shorter waiting times at border controls. No more long lines for passport stamping—just a quick biometric scan, and you’ll be on your way.Improved Border Security: The new system allows authorities to track entries and exits more accurately, making it harder for anyone to overstay their visa or enter the EU without proper documentation.Reduced Fraud: By storing biometric data, the EES makes it more difficult for travelers to use false or stolen identities to enter the Schengen Area.Efficient Visa Processing: For travelers who require a visa, the system will make visa processing quicker and more reliable by integrating biometric data into the process.What to Expect When Traveling to the EU After October 2025
For travelers from Canada, Mexico, and Brazil, there are a few things to keep in mind when traveling to the Schengen Area:
Be Prepared for Biometric Scanning: Upon entering or leaving the Schengen Area, you will need to provide biometric data—fingerprints and facial images. This is an automatic process at border checkpoints.Ensure Passport Validity: Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. This is a requirement for all travelers.Stay Informed: Since the EES is a major change, it is important to stay up-to-date on any updates or changes to border procedures. Make sure to check the official EU website or your local embassy for the latest information.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said:
“In the longer term, EES should make processes quicker and simpler for travel to Europe.
“Looking at the short term, given the scale of the operation, there may be some delays, particularly at peak travel times. But countries will be stepping up their processes gradually and have the option to stand down the system to avoid significant and lengthy waiting times. We ask that countries remain vigilant and use this contingency measure where needed.
“In the future, once EES is fully rolled out, no passport stamping will be needed and the system may also allow more places to extend the use of egates to UK citizens. Currently, not every country in Europe allows UK travellers to use these, so we’re urging more countries to allow access to egates. It’s good that many places are already doing so, as was my experience travelling through Palma airport this week.
“There is also the option for countries to use an app for EES in the future, which would allow travellers to enter information in advance; we urge all countries involved in EES to look to introduce the app.
“Increasing access to egates and using the EES app will make passport control checks quicker, helping both travellers and border authorities.
“If you have booked a holiday through an ABTA travel company, you can feel reassured that they understand the system and can advise you in advance of your travels.”
The Core Features of the EU Entry/Exit System
The EU EES has been designed to make travel easier, faster, and more secure. Below are some of its core features:
Biometric Data Collection: Every traveller from outside the EU will have their fingerprints and facial images taken upon entering the Schengen Area. This biometric data will be stored in the EES system and used to confirm their identity when they leave. This will make it much harder for individuals to overstay their visa or manipulate their travel documents.Faster Border Checks: The new system eliminates the need for passport stamps, speeding up border controls. Automated gates will process travellers using their biometric data, reducing queues and wait times at border crossings.Better Tracking of Stays: The EES will track the entry and exit times of non-EU nationals, ensuring they adhere to the 90/180 rule, which allows visitors to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This makes it easier for authorities to spot overstayers and prevent illegal immigration.Wide Coverage: The EES will apply to all third-country nationals (those from outside the EU) who are visa-exempt or hold a short-stay visa. It is expected to be rolled out across all 29 Schengen Area countries, making it a unified system for travellers entering and leaving the region.Why is the EU Introducing the EES?
The EU Entry/Exit System is designed to address several pressing challenges. The core objectives of the system are:
Enhanced Border Security: The primary goal is to enhance security at the external borders of the Schengen Area. By capturing biometric data and tracking entries and exits accurately, authorities will be better equipped to combat irregular migration, human trafficking, and cross-border crime.More Efficient Border Management: The EES will replace the old system of manually stamping passports, which is time-consuming and prone to human error. The new automated system will help to speed up border checks, reducing long queues and making travel more convenient for visitors.Improved Visa Control: The system will help enforce the 90/180 rule, which limits how long non-EU nationals can stay in the Schengen Area. By tracking the entry and exit of visitors more accurately, it will be easier for authorities to identify and deal with those who overstay their visas.What Will the EES Do for Travellers?
For travellers, the EU Entry/Exit System promises several benefits:
Faster Processing: Gone are the days of waiting in long lines at the border while officials manually stamp your passport. With biometric gates, your entry and exit will be processed quickly and automatically, saving you valuable time.Convenient and Secure Travel: The EES ensures a higher level of security, making it harder for people to cheat the system by overstaying or using fake documents. This means you can be confident that your travel experience will be safer and more reliable.Streamlined Entry and Exit: The system is designed to make the border entry and exit process much more seamless. It will collect the necessary data automatically, ensuring that your travels across the Schengen Area are hassle-free.Data Protection and Privacy Concerns
As with any system that collects biometric data, the EU Entry/Exit System raises important concerns about data protection and privacy. The European Union has taken steps to ensure that the system complies with its rigorous privacy laws, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Data Minimisation: Only the necessary data will be collected for the purposes of border control, and travellers’ information will be stored for a limited period. Biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images will be stored for a maximum of 3 years, after which they will be deleted.Access Controls: Access to the data will be tightly controlled and monitored. Only authorised border authorities will be able to access the data for the purpose of verifying a traveller’s identity.Fundamental Rights Considerations: The EU has worked closely with the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) to ensure that the EES respects the fundamental rights of travellers. The system must strike a balance between enhancing security and protecting the privacy of individuals.What Will Happen After the EES Is Fully Implemented?
The EU Entry/Exit System is set to be fully operational by April 2026, following a gradual rollout that begins in October 2025. Once in place, the system will offer several advantages to both travellers and authorities:
Reduced Border Delays: Automated biometric checks will speed up the border entry process, leading to shorter waiting times and a smoother travel experience.Better Tracking of Visitors: With accurate records of each entry and exit, the system will make it easier for authorities to track overstayers, prevent visa fraud, and ensure that travellers comply with the rules.Improved Border Security: The system will help prevent illegal immigration and cross-border crime by accurately identifying individuals entering or leaving the Schengen Area.
The introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) in 2025 will bring significant changes to the way non-EU nationals, including Canadians, Mexicans, and Brazilians, interact with EU borders. While it will require some adjustments—such as biometric data collection—the system promises to make travel more secure, efficient, and convenient for everyone involved.
By understanding how the EES works and preparing for the new processes, travelers can ensure smooth trips to the Schengen Area. The system will help increase security, reduce fraud, and streamline the travel experience, benefiting both travelers and border authorities alike. For those planning trips to Europe, staying informed and understanding the new procedures will ensure that the journey is as easy and efficient as possible.
Key Exemptions
While the EU Entry/Exit System will apply to most non-EU nationals travelling to the Schengen Area, there are certain exemptions:
EU Citizens: Citizens of EU countries do not need to use the EES when entering or leaving the Schengen Area.Long-Stay Visa Holders: Those who have long-stay visas or residence permits are exempt from the EES.Diplomatic and Consular Staff: Diplomats and other official representatives are also exempt from the EES.Other Exemptions: The system includes several other exemptions, such as for children under 12 years of age or individuals with special needs.
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) represents a significant shift in the way border controls are managed in the Schengen Area. By automating the entry and exit process and capturing biometric data, it promises to improve security, enhance the efficiency of border checks, and ensure compliance with visa rules. While there are valid concerns around privacy and data protection, the EU has implemented strong safeguards to protect the rights of travellers.
As the system rolls out in the coming months, travellers can expect a smoother, more secure border experience. The EES will play a crucial role in shaping the future of travel across Europe, balancing the need for security with the goal of facilitating hassle-free journeys for legitimate visitors.
