Home » Greece » Greece Travel News » Europe Travel Hits A Pivotal Moment Today As EES Biometric System Rolls Out, Affecting Millions Of Travelers Across The Schengen Area And Revolutionizing Border Control Procedures: New Updates You Need To Know

Published on
October 12, 2025

Europe Travel ,EES Biometric System,

The Entry/Exit System (EES) introduced by the European Union on October 12, 2025, marks a significant transformation in border security and immigration procedures across Europe. This new system is designed to replace traditional passport stamping with biometric data collection, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, at entry points within the Schengen Area. By automating border checks, the EES will enhance efficiency and security, allowing authorities to monitor travelers more effectively and prevent overstays. With full implementation expected by April 2026, millions of travelers from non-EU countries will experience faster, more secure entry processes, though initial adjustments may cause delays.

As of October 12, 2025, the European Union (EU) has begun the phased implementation of its Entry/Exit System (EES), a sophisticated biometric border control system designed to automate the entry and exit processes for non-EU nationals traveling to the Schengen Area. This is a major overhaul of Europe’s border management procedures, marking the end of traditional passport stamping in favor of modern biometric checks using facial recognition and fingerprinting. The full implementation of the system is expected by April 10, 2026, and millions of travelers will be affected as the system rolls out across the continent.

The launch of the EES is one of the most significant changes to Europe’s border control system in recent decades. With biometric data being the cornerstone of the system, travelers will experience faster and more efficient border checks, but this comes with the need to adapt to a new way of crossing borders. Below, we take a deeper dive into how this new system works, who it will affect, and what travelers need to do to prepare for the changes.

What is the EES and Who Will It Apply To?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border check system introduced by the European Union that will track the entry and exit of non-EU nationals traveling to the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a unique zone that includes 25 EU member states and four non-EU countries—Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland—that have abolished internal border controls. As a result, travelers can freely move between these countries without passport checks at internal borders.

The EES is being rolled out to ensure that short-stay visitors (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) comply with the Schengen Area entry requirements, particularly when it comes to visas. Non-EU nationals, even those from visa-exempt countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and United Kingdom, will now be required to undergo biometric checks on their way into and out of the region.

Key Points About Who Will Be Affected:

  • Non-EU Nationals: Travelers who do not hold EU nationality or the nationality of one of the four Schengen-associated countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) are required to go through the EES process. This includes travelers from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil.
  • Short-Stay Schengen Visas: Those who hold short-stay Schengen visas will also have their biometric data recorded when they enter and exit the Schengen Area. These visas are issued for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Exemptions:

There are a few notable exemptions from the EES system:

  • Nationals of Ireland and Cyprus: These countries are members of the EU but are not part of the Schengen Area. Therefore, the EES system will not apply to their nationals.
  • Holders of Diplomatic Passports: Certain diplomats and individuals with diplomatic status are exempt from the system.
  • Non-EU Residents with Long-Term Visas: Those who hold long-term residence permits or specific visas within the EU (e.g., researchers, students, or individuals on long-term employment contracts) will not be affected by the EES.
  • Children under the age of 12: While all adult travelers are required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial recognition), children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting, though their facial image will still be captured.

Countries Involved in the EES

The EES system applies to 29 countries in the Schengen Area. These countries, both EU member states and some non-EU countries, will require travelers to pass through biometric checkpoints on arrival and departure. The EES will track each traveler’s entry and exit, ensuring compliance with the 90-day limit for short stays.

The following countries are part of the Schengen Area, and their borders will be monitored under the new system:

CountryStatus Austria Schengen Area Member Belgium Schengen Area Member Bulgaria Schengen Area Member Croatia Schengen Area Member Cyprus Schengen Area Member Czechia Schengen Area Member Denmark Schengen Area Member Estonia Schengen Area Member Finland Schengen Area Member France Schengen Area Member Germany Schengen Area Member Greece Schengen Area Member Hungary Schengen Area Member Ireland Not part of EES Italy Schengen Area Member Latvia Schengen Area Member Lithuania Schengen Area Member Luxembourg Schengen Area Member Malta Schengen Area Member Netherlands Schengen Area Member Poland Schengen Area Member Portugal Schengen Area Member Romania Schengen Area Member Slovakia Schengen Area Member Slovenia Schengen Area Member Spain Schengen Area Member Sweden Schengen Area Member

How Does the EES Work?

The EES will replace the traditional process of passport stamping and will introduce an automated biometric system that records both fingerprints and facial images of non-EU nationals entering and exiting the Schengen Area. Here’s how the process works for travelers:

Entry Process

  • First-Time Entry: When travelers first enter a Schengen country under the EES, they will be required to:
    • Scan their passport to provide personal information, such as their name, nationality, and travel dates.
    • Provide biometric data by having their fingerprints and facial image taken.
    • Their personal information will be recorded in the EES database, marking their entry into the Schengen Area.
  • Subsequent Entries: On future visits, the EES will verify the traveler’s details against the data stored from previous entries. If there are no issues (such as overstays or discrepancies), travelers will pass through border control faster, as their information is already in the system.

Exit Process

The EES will also record when travelers exit the Schengen Area, ensuring that the 90-day stay limit is not exceeded. This will help authorities better track the movement of individuals and reduce the risk of overstays.

Exemptions and Special Cases

  • Children Under 12: They will still have their facial images captured but are exempt from fingerprinting.
  • Travelers with Long-Term Visas or Residence Permits: Those with residence rights in the EU will not need to undergo the biometric checks for every trip.

The Importance of the EES

The EES aims to address several key challenges facing border security in Europe:

Improved Border Management

By automating the entry and exit process and using biometric data, the EES will streamline border control, ensuring travelers spend less time at immigration checkpoints. This is especially important for high-volume travelers, such as tourists, business visitors, and seasonal workers.

Enhanced Security

The system is designed to improve the security of the Schengen Area by ensuring that the identity of travelers is accurately verified. Biometric data, such as facial recognition and fingerprints, are much harder to falsify than traditional passports and visas. This will help prevent identity fraud and illegal migration.

Ensuring Visa Compliance

One of the main goals of the EES is to prevent travelers from overstaying their permitted 90 days in the Schengen Area. By recording entry and exit times accurately, authorities will be able to quickly identify those who exceed the 90-day limit and take appropriate actions.

The ETIAS Visa Waiver System

In addition to the EES, the European Union is also introducing a visa waiver system for citizens of countries that are exempt from short-stay visas. This new system, called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), will come into effect in 2026.

How ETIAS Works:

  • Application: Travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for ETIAS before their trip. The application process will be done online and is expected to take only a few minutes.
  • Cost: The fee for applying for ETIAS is €20 ($23.48), but there are exemptions for children under 18 and adults over 70.
  • Duration: Once approved, ETIAS is valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

However, ETIAS is not a guarantee of entry. Border officials still have the right to assess whether the traveler meets all entry requirements upon arrival.

How Should You Prepare for the EES?

As the EES system continues to roll out, there are several steps travelers can take to prepare for the changes:

  1. Ensure Valid Passport: Make sure your passport is up-to-date and valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
  2. Prepare for Biometric Collection: Travelers should expect to provide facial images and fingerprints. Make sure your passport photo meets the required standards, as poor-quality photos may delay the process.
  3. Monitor ETIAS Requirements: If you’re from a visa-exempt country, be aware of the ETIAS system coming in 2026. Make sure to apply for your ETIAS ahead of time to avoid last-minute delays.
  4. Allow Extra Time: The EES system will likely take some time to implement fully, and travelers should expect longer processing times initially as both travelers and border officials adjust to the new system.

The launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES) marks a new era in border security and immigration procedures across Europe. The system is set to greatly improve efficiency, reduce fraud, and help ensure compliance with visa rules. Although the transition to biometric checks will take some getting used to, it promises a more streamlined and secure experience for travelers across the Schengen Area. By preparing in advance and staying informed about changes such as ETIAS, travelers can ensure they are well-equipped to navigate the new border processes.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) launched by the European Union on October 12, 2025, will transform border control across Europe by replacing traditional passport stamps with biometric data collection. This change aims to improve efficiency and security, ensuring better monitoring of non-EU travelers and preventing overstays.

As the EES continues to roll out across the Schengen Area, millions of travelers will experience a shift in how they cross Europe’s borders. Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or any other purpose, understanding and adapting to these changes will make your travels smoother and safer.