NEW EU Entry and Exit Systems (EES)

We wanted to update you all on the EU‘s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is expected to start on 12th October 2025.

🌍What is EES?

The EU‘s Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border management system for non-EU citizens travelling to the Schengen Area.

It will replace the manual stamping of passports with automated registration of biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) upon entry and exit.

🌍How it works

Travellers will scan their passports at self-service kiosks and provide biometric data (a facial image and fingerprints) upon arrival. This information will be stored in a central database and linked to their passport.

Your digital record will remain valid for three years. If you travel to the Schengen area again within that period, you’ll only need to provide a fingerprint or facial image at the border when entering and exiting.

Due to this rollout, please be aware that there may be some delays at border control as the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is implemented.

Please note: EES does not require any action before you travel — all checks will be carried out at the border.

🌏Who does it affect

Non-EU citizens travelling to the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180 days). This includes most travellers from the UK.

Please find the link to gov.co.uk regarding EES, which gives further details.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system