The European Union is set to begin implementing its long-awaited biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) starting October this year, marking a significant shift in how the bloc manages and monitors border crossings by non-EU travellers. The new system, designed to strengthen security and streamline border checks, will replace traditional passport stamping with electronic records of travel, incorporating biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images.
The EES will apply to all non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area for short stays, whether they require a visa or not. Under this system, each traveller’s name, biometric data, and the date and place of entry and exit will be automatically registered at border crossings. The rollout is expected to commence in October 2025, following multiple delays due to technical challenges and the need for infrastructure readiness across member states.
The primary goal of the EES is to enhance the EU’s capability to monitor overstays and identify individuals who pose potential security threats. Currently, border officers manually stamp passports, a system that has long been criticised for being inefficient and prone to human error. By digitising this process, authorities will be able to access real-time data on who is in the Schengen Zone and for how long, aiding efforts to curb irregular migration and cross-border crime.
The European Commission has stated that the system will also contribute to faster and more accurate border checks, improving the travel experience for legitimate visitors. Automated border control gates and self-service kiosks will be installed at many border points, allowing for smoother processing of passengers, especially at high-traffic airports and land crossings.
While the EES is not expected to apply to EU citizens or long-term residents, it will affect millions of tourists, business travellers, and other short-term visitors from non-EU countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and India. Transport and travel companies have been urged to prepare their customers for the changes, including the possibility of longer wait times during the initial phases of implementation.
The introduction of the EES is seen as a precursor to the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), an electronic travel permit similar to the U.S. ESTA, which has also been delayed but is expected to be operational in 2025. Together, these systems form a part of the EU’s broader digital border strategy aimed at enhancing internal security while maintaining openness to international travel.
 starting October this year){kind=link}