The EU's newly developed electronic system, EES (Entry/Exit System), will be phased in starting October 2025. The change affects all non-EU travelers entering the Schengen zone for a short-term visit.
The Entry/Exit System is a unified digital database across the EU that will replace the physical stamping of passports at the border. The system's main function is to simplify the registration process at external borders, improve monitoring, and make it easier to identify foreigners who have overstayed illegally. Travelers' data - including passport information, a facial photo, and fingerprints - will be electronically stored in a shared database.
With the EES system, each of a traveler's entries and exits will be automatically recorded. If a visitor exceeds the maximum permitted stay in the Schengen zone (90 days within a 180-day period), or if another type of violation is recorded in the system, this could affect their chances of obtaining a visa in the future. It's worth noting that biometric data registered once in the system will not need to be collected again during subsequent visits, which reduces processing time
When Will EES Launch ?
Launch of the Entry/Exit System, or EES, is planned for October 12, 2025, though the system will only be fully operational starting April 10, 2026. Its implementation will require a six-month phased process, involving activating the system's components across 29 European countries, including every external border of the Schengen zone.
Initially, biometric data collection won't be possible at every border checkpoint simultaneously. Accordingly, for a certain period starting October 2025, passport stamping will continue as usual. However, gradually, digital data registration will fully replace this practice.
What Data Will the System Collect?
The Entry/Exit System involves stamping and electronically storing travelers' data.
The system will collect the following types of data:
- Basic passport data (first name, last name, date of birth, nationality, etc.); facial photo; fingerprints (4 fingers);
- Country and border checkpoint data;
- Exact entry and exit dates.
The data will be stored in a centralized European database and will be used both for direct monitoring and for planning immigration policy.
What Changes Will Travelers Experience with the Entry/Exit System?
The system's goal is:
- Transparent tracking of visitors' movements;
- Automatic detection of visa condition violations;
- More effective control of visa regimes.
If a traveler violates the conditions of their visit - for example, by staying in the country's territory longer than the established period - this information will be recorded electronically and may become grounds for refusal on subsequent visits.
At the same time, travelers will only be required to provide biometric data on their first entry. On subsequent visits, the system will use the data already on file, which generally reduces the length of the registration process.
Need Help? Get Expert Assistance
✅ Professional support: we simplify complex processes and handle the bureaucracy for you.
📃 Personalized documents: we prepare a document checklist tailored to your specific visa requirements.
⏱️ Save time: our streamlined approach speeds up the visa process and saves you valuable time.
❔ Answers to every question: our experienced border-crossing agents will help you get answers to any question about your trip.
📲 All your travel information in one place: once entered on our platform, your information is saved and ready to use for future trips.