Europe's New Entry/Exit System: What Travelers Need to Know About the October 12 Launch

The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin operations from October 12. As per the europa.eu, this system will be launched at the external borders of 29 European countries, which will mark a major change in how non-EU citizens enter and exit the Schengen area. The rollout will take place gradually over a six-month transition period, during which passport stamping will continue and biometric data collection will not yet occur at all border points. As per the official reports, the system will become fully operational on 10 April 2026. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) applies to non-EU nationals entering Europe for short-term visits. It will record the arrivals and departures of all travellers who either need a Schengen visa—such as Thai citizens—or are allowed visa-free entry for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, replacing the current manual passport stamping process. By doing so, the system is moving forward to modernise Europe’s border management, prevent the misuse of travel documents, and make border checks faster, more consistent, and safer.The system applies to all non-EU nationals, including citizens of the United Kingdom, Thailand, and other countries outside the EU, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Norway which are part of the Schengen area but not EU members. It covers anyone travelling for a short stay, meaning up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all participating European countries. The EES will record each traveller’s entry, exit, and any refusal of entry will also be electronically registered. This will replace the current system of manually stamping passports, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Children under 12 will also be registered in the EES, but will only have their photograph taken, not their fingerprints. The EU is introducing the Entry/Exit System to modernise its border management and to ensure that people travelling to the bloc comply with existing stay limits. The system will help prevent illegal migration, detect overstayers, and combat identity fraud by verifying travellers’ identities through their biometric data. The system will log a non-EU traveler's biometric data and trip information each time they enter the Schengen area through an external border. The traveler's departure will be automatically recorded by the EES. Authorities will find it easier to keep track of who enters the Schengen area and for how long thanks to these digital data. The move is also aimed at enhancing security. By providing reliable identity checks, the system will support law enforcement agencies in preventing serious crimes and terrorism, while still safeguarding travellers’ fundamental rights.Red more: ‘Panch Kedar’ temples of Uttarakhand: A sacred pilgrimage through the Garhwal HimalayasAfter October 12, 2025, passengers will have to scan their passport, give their fingerprints, and have a picture of their face taken when they first arrive at a Schengen border. Their travel document will be connected to a secure digital identity created by this process. Travellers will just have to go through facial recognition checks for quicker processing on subsequent visits.The EES will operate at international airports, seaports, train terminals, and road border crossings throughout the Schengen area. Travellers will not be charged any fee for registration. At certain UK exit points, including the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone, and Eurostar terminal at London St Pancras, the EES registration process will take place on departure from the UK, under the supervision of French border officials. After registering, visitors won't have to do it again when they get to France or any other country in the Schengen region.Because the EES will be introduced gradually, EU officials are confident that there will not be major disruptions at the border. During the transition phase, passport stamps will continue, and biometric data collection may not occur at every crossing point. However, authorities and travel associations are advising travellers to allow extra time at border crossings, particularly in the early months of implementation. The UK’s Road Haulage Association has warned that longer waits may occur at busy times, especially during weekends and holidays. Initially, EES checks at Dover and Folkestone will apply only to freight and coach traffic, beginning on 12 October 2025. Passenger vehicle checks will start in November, and Eurostar will roll out the new procedures by the end of 2025. The system’s biggest test will come during Easter and summer holidays in 2026, when higher volumes of tourists are expected to travel through European borders. To minimise congestion, border officials will be allowed to temporarily suspend checks if processing times become excessively long.Read more: Noida traffic update: Taj Highway to face diversions for 3 months; how it can impact daily travelOnce fully operational, the EES promises several advantages: Faster, modern border checks: Replacing manual passport stamping with an electronic system will speed up entry and exit processes. Reduced waiting times: Automation and self-service kiosks will allow travellers to pre-enrol and move quickly through the border. Enhanced security: Fingerprint and facial recognition will prevent identity theft and detect overstayers. Transparency: The system provides a clear record of each traveller’s movement, supporting lawful travel while protecting privacy. Travellers will be able to pre-register their biometric information through self-service kiosks, e-gates, and mobile apps in certain countries. Biometric passport holders will be able to see if their information is already in the system and go straight to a border guard for confirmation. The EES is merely the beginning of a more extensive overhaul of border control in Europe. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be implemented in late 2026. Before departing, non-EU travelers—including those from nations that do not require a visa—must apply online for an ETIAS authorisation, submit personal information, and pay a €20 cost. The permission is good for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Together, the EES and ETIAS will make travel to Europe more secure, efficient, and transparent, ushering in a new era of biometric border control.