EU New Entry/Exit System (EES) Launches on October 12, 2025: What Travelers Need to Know About Biometric Registration

On October 12, 2025, the European Union (EU) will implement the Entry/Exit System (EES) across the Schengen Area, marking a significant change in how travelers, including those from the UK, will enter and exit Schengen countries. The system aims to improve border security and enhance efficiency by tracking non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, as they travel through the area. This system will replace the traditional manual passport stamping process with biometric registration, capturing fingerprints and photos of travelers at border crossings.

The introduction of the EES is designed to improve border control and ensure that travelers comply with the 90-day visa-free stay limit within any 180-day period. Schengen countries, including Spain, France, Germany, and Greece, will all adopt the new system, which will ensure a more streamlined and secure process for non-EU visitors entering and leaving these countries.

Key Features of the Entry/Exit System (EES)

The UK Foreign Office has issued detailed guidance for British travelers regarding the upcoming changes, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the new procedures. Starting October 12, 2025, travelers to the Schengen Area will need to register biometric details—such as fingerprints and a photo—at designated booths upon their first entry to any Schengen country. These changes will improve security while also reducing the paperwork and time required for immigration processing.

Biometric Registration at the Border

Travelers arriving in the Schengen Area will be required to register their biometric details upon entry, including their fingerprints and photos. This new biometric registration will replace the traditional passport stamp and is intended to provide enhanced security and better tracking of travelers’ movements across borders.

No prior action is required from travelers before arriving at the border. However, they will need to follow the instructions provided by border staff or travel operators regarding where to register at the border upon first entry.

Departure Requirements

Travelers leaving the Schengen Area may be asked to provide a fingerprint or photo when departing, ensuring that the entry and exit records are accurately matched. This process will contribute to the overall efficiency of border control and ensure compliance with the 90-day stay limit for non-EU nationals.

Exemptions for Children

Travelers aged 11 or younger will not be required to undergo fingerprint scanning. However, they may still need to have their photo taken when entering or leaving the Schengen Area. This measure is aimed at ensuring that the system remains streamlined for all travelers, regardless of age.

Processing Time

The new EES may slightly increase the amount of time required to pass through immigration due to biometric data collection. While this may cause some delays during the initial rollout, travelers are advised to expect longer wait times, particularly during peak travel periods. Border authorities are working to minimize these delays and improve overall efficiency as the system is implemented.

Rollout Timeline and Full Implementation

The new Entry/Exit System will not be implemented simultaneously across all border points. It will be rolled out gradually across the Schengen Area over a six-month period, with full implementation expected by April 10, 2026. During this time, some borders may continue to use traditional passport stamping, and the EES will not be fully operational at all locations. Travelers should stay informed of the system’s rollout and be prepared for potential delays.

UK Departures and Biometric Registration

Travelers leaving the UK and entering the Schengen Area via the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, or Eurostar at St Pancras International may be asked to undergo biometric registration before leaving the UK. This process is designed to ensure that biometric data is collected at the earliest possible point, improving border security and efficiency.

EuroAirport’s Implementation of the EES

EuroAirport, located in Basel, Switzerland, is one of the key airports where the EES will be implemented. In collaboration with the relevant border authorities, EuroAirport has made the necessary adjustments to accommodate the new system. These adjustments include the installation of dedicated kiosks for biometric registration, where passengers will provide fingerprints and facial images for entry and exit clearance.

To support the smooth transition to the new system, EuroAirport has also introduced several measures to help travelers. These include:

• The deployment of floorwalkers to assist travelers.
• The installation of enhanced signage and information displays.
• The provision of online information to ensure that passengers are well-informed about the new requirements.

What Travelers Can Expect at EuroAirport

Although the EES is being rolled out gradually, EuroAirport has been working closely with border authorities to minimize delays and optimize passenger flows. While the system will generally keep wait times to a minimum, travelers should expect longer processing times during the initial rollout phase, especially during peak hours.

EuroAirport is committed to improving the efficiency of its processes by collaborating with border authorities and implementing measures to minimize delays. Travelers are encouraged to follow the instructions provided by airport staff and allow extra time for processing during the initial stages of the EES implementation.

For more information on the EES and its impact on travelers, passengers can visit the EU website or the official EuroAirport website.

Countries Affected by the EES

The following 29 Schengen countries will adopt the Entry/Exit System (EES):

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Travelers to the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus will not be affected by the EES, as these countries are not part of the Schengen Area.

Biometric Systems in Other Countries

The EES is part of a broader global trend toward the use of biometric data for border control. Several countries have already implemented similar systems:

Australia – SmartGate

Since 2007, Australia has used SmartGate, which allows travelers with ePassports to clear immigration using facial recognition technology.

Singapore – eIACS

Singapore’s Enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS) uses biometric data to speed up immigration clearance.

India – Fast Track Immigration (FTI-TTP)

India’s FTI-TTP program, launched in 2024, allows frequent travelers to use biometric eGates at airports for both arrivals and departures.

Malaysia – Autogate System

Malaysia’s Autogate system allows eligible travelers to use biometric passports for faster immigration clearance.

Saudi Arabia – Absher System

Saudi Arabia’s Absher system provides automated immigration clearance using biometric data for citizens and residents.

China – E-channel System

China’s E-channel system allows travelers to use biometric data for automated immigration clearance.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) across the Schengen Area marks a significant step toward improving border security and streamlining immigration processes. Travelers are advised to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and be prepared for potential delays, particularly during the initial phases of the system’s implementation. As biometric technology becomes the norm for border control, these systems are likely to be adopted by more countries worldwide, enhancing the security and efficiency of international travel.