On 12 October 2025, the European Union will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital framework designed to register non-EU nationals at external borders. Spanning 29 countries, the EES will collect biometric data and travel information, replacing traditional passport stamping. This initiative seeks to bolster border security, identify overstayers, and facilitate more efficient travel across the Schengen Area.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) Q&A

What exactly is the EES?

It’s a new electronic border management system for the European Union / Schengen area. Its purpose is to record, in digital form, all entries and exits of non-EU nationals (i.e. third-country nationals) when they travel for short stays. That includes capturing biometric data (fingerprints, facial images) along with various travel document info.

Why is the EU introducing this?

There are several reasons:

•           More accurately tracking who enters and who exits, to help prevent people overstaying their allowed visit time.
•           Reducing identity fraud by ensuring data like biometrics are checked.
•           Strengthening internal security: giving authorities more timely, reliable data.
•           Making border crossings smoother and safer — partly via automated procedures.

What is the launch date for the EES?

The EU has set 12 October 2025 as the date from which the EES begins to be implemented.

Will it all start at once everywhere?

No — it will be progressively rolled out over six months at external Schengen borders among the 29 countries involved. This gradual approach is to allow border authorities, travellers, and the transport industry time to adapt.

When will it be fully operational?

At the end of that six-month progressive period, the EES will be fully deployed at all border crossing points of those countries in April 2026.

Data Collection and What to Expect

What data will be collected?

Among other things:

•           Fingerprints
•           Facial images
•           Travel document information
•           Entry and exit times and locations

Who will it affect?

Non-EU nationals (third-country nationals) travelling to the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period- for tourism, business, visiting etc.) at external Schengen border crossings. Including visa-exempt travellers and those with short-stay visas. This includes people from countries like the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, who will need to provide their fingerprints and have their facial images captured upon arrival. Non-EU citizens with long-stay visas or residency permits for an EU member state are exempt.

Will it replace passport stamps?

Yes — once EES is fully in operation, passport stamps will no longer be used for entry/exit for such non-EU nationals. All crossings will be recorded digitally. During the six-month phased roll-out, some crossings will still stamp passports; stamping then ends as EES coverage becomes complete.

Is there any automation involved?

Yes — the system will support automated border checks and faster processing, once implemented.

How long will the individual’s data record be held in the EES?

Typically for three years. If no exit is recorded/you overstay, certain records can be kept up to 5 years.

How should British and other non-EU travellers prepare?

Travellers (non-EU nationals) should be aware:

•           From October 2025, their entry and exit will be tracked digitally.
•           Their biometric data (fingerprints, photo) may be taken at border crossings.
•           They should carry proper travel documents that meet the technical requirements (biometric passports, etc.).

What rules do British (and other non-EU) travellers need to follow under the 90/180-day rule?

British travellers are limited to a stay of 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. The EES helps.

Do I need to do anything specific before travelling after 12 October 2025?

Not much in terms of preparation: there’s no requirement to pre-register for EES in advance. Just follow the border control instructions. But you should anticipate having fingerprints / facial biometric taken at your first crossing under the EES.

What happens the first time I cross an EU border after the EES starts?

You will need to provide your personal data. Passport control officers will scan your fingerprints or take a photo of your face, which will be stored in a digital file.

You can speed up the process by registering some of your data in advance using:

•           Self-service equipment at the border crossing (if available), and/or
•           A mobile application (if offered by the country of arrival or departure).

Even if you pre-register, you will still meet a passport control officer.

What happens if I have already crossed EU borders using the EES?

Your fingerprints or facial photo will already be stored in the EES. Passport control officers will only need to verify this data, which is faster.

What happens if I refuse to have my fingerprints scanned or a photo taken?

If you refuse to provide your biometric data, you will be denied entry into the territory of the European countries using the EES.

Data protection, Privacy, and Concerns

Is the data secure? How is privacy being handled?

According to the EU Commission, the EES “meets the highest standards of data and privacy protection” to ensure travellers’ personal data remains protected.

Who can access my personal data in the EES?

• Border, visa, and immigration authorities in EU countries use it to verify your identity and check if you can enter or stay.
• Law enforcement authorities and Europol can access it for law enforcement purposes.
• Certain international organisations or other countries may receive data under strict conditions for return or law enforcement purposes.
• Transport carriers can only check if short-stay visa holders have exceeded their allowed entries (e.g. they only get a limited OK/Not-OK check for remaining entries on a one- or two-entry short-stay visa; later ETIAS); they cannot access any other personal data.

Do I need to do anything before travelling?

No advance EES registration is required. Some countries may offer self-service kiosks or the Frontex (the European Border and Coast Guard Agency) “Travel to Europe” mobile app for partial pre-registration (document data + selfie); fingerprints will still be taken at the border.

Vertex Alliance helps clients and their families unlock Schengen access through programmes like the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) and the Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP). By guiding applicants through the residency application process and ensuring compliance with all requirements, Vertex Alliance enables individuals and families to enjoy visa-free travel in the Schengen Area. To find out how we can help, please get in touch. 

Contact Martine Vella, Senior Advisor at: mvella@valtd.com