Travelers heading to Europe this fall should be prepared for longer waits at border control. Beginning on Sunday, Oct 12, 2025, the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) will officially take effect—digitizing how non-EU visitors enter and exit the Schengen Area’s 29 countries.
Countries in the Schengen Area include France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Portugal, Belgium, Austria and others.
The long-awaited system will replace traditional passport stamping with a centralized digital database that records each traveler’s biometric and personal details upon arrival and departure. The EES applies to all non-EU nationals entering the Schengen zone for short stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.
What’s Changing
The EES aims to modernize border management and enhance security, but travelers should expect an adjustment period during the rollout—especially at busy airports and land crossings. Not all entry points will go live simultaneously, and initial lines are expected to be longer as travelers register for the first time.
Key points to know:
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Digital Instead of Stamps: Passports will no longer be stamped. Entries and exits will be recorded electronically across all 29 participating countries.
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Biometric Screening: Travelers will have their fingerprints and facial images captured on first entry (children under 12 are exempt).
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Longer Wait Times (for Now): Expect delays as the new procedures are implemented; connecting travelers should allow extra time.
Why the EU Is Making the Change
According to the European Commission, the EES will help prevent identity fraud, detect overstays and strengthen the bloc’s external borders while streamlining travel in the long term. The fully digital system also provides greater transparency for border officers, allowing them to instantly verify travel histories.
Following several postponements due to technical and coordination challenges, the EES rollout will begin on Oct. 12, with full implementation expected by April 9, 2026.
