The Entry/Exit System is a fully automated border control mechanism that registers and tracks non-EU citizens entering and exiting the Schengen Zone. Unlike the traditional manual passport stamping, EES will:

• Collect biometric data (fingerprints and facial recognition scans) at border checkpoints.

• Record entry and exit dates electronically, eliminating reliance on passport stamps.

• Monitor the duration of stay for non-EU visitors to prevent overstays.

Travellers will have their biometric details scanned at self-service kiosks or through designated counters before meeting a border official. The system then cross-references these details with existing databases to ensure compliance with visa and entry rules.

The EES applies to all non-EU travellers, including:

• Visa-exempt visitors (e.g., travellers from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Japan).

• Schengen visa holders entering on short-term permits.

• Frequent travellers and business visitors who need to monitor their permitted stay days.

While EU citizens, long-term residents, and certain visa categories are exempt, the system introduces new steps for tourists, professionals, and short-term visitors who were previously used to a simple passport stamp.

The traditional passport stamping method has long been inefficient and vulnerable to fraud. The EU’s decision to launch EES is driven by three key objectives:

• Enhancing security – By digitally tracking entries and exits, authorities can quickly identify overstayers and individuals using fraudulent documents.

• Improving efficiency – Automated border crossings will ultimately reduce waiting times by eliminating manual passport inspections.

• Standardising data collection – EES ensures uniform entry-exit tracking across all Schengen member states, strengthening border management.

For travellers planning a trip to Europe in late 2025 and beyond, preparation is key. Here’s what visitors should keep in mind:

• Ensure your passport is biometric – EES requires chip-enabled passports that can store digital fingerprints and facial data.

• Expect longer processing times initially – As the system is phased in, border delays are possible, particularly at airports and land crossings.

• Familiarise yourself with self-service kiosks – Many airports and major entry points will rely on automated stations for biometric scanning.

• Track your stay duration carefully – Overstaying beyond the 90-day Schengen limit could lead to entry bans or fines.

The EES is one step in a larger EU initiative to modernise travel security. By the end of 2025 (unless postponed by the European Union), the system will be followed by the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a visa-waiver pre-screening process that will apply to visitors from visa-exempt countries. Travellers from the UK, US, and other eligible nations will need ETIAS approval before travelling.

While the shift to biometric border control may pose initial challenges, it represents a long-term move towards digitalisation and security in the European travel landscape. Frequent travellers should stay updated on border policies to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a seamless entry into the Schengen Zone.

As the EU moves forward with its digital transformation of travel, one thing is clear: the era of paper passports and manual stamping is rapidly coming to an end.