The European Union is launching the first of two new border management initiatives on October 12, 2025. These will affect travel to Europe: the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit Systems (EES). How will travel rules change and how are these two systems different?
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations on 12 October 2025. European countries using the EES will introduce the system gradually at their external borders. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is scheduled to launch in the last quarter of 2026, with the exact date to be announced by the European Commission several months in advance. No action is required from travelers at this stage, but those planning to visit the Schengen Area from visa-exempt countries should be prepared to apply for this new pre-authorization system before traveling once it becomes operational.
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What is the EES?
Purpose:
The EES is an automated system that replaces physical passport stamps for non-EU visitors to the Schengen Area.
Data Collection:
It will collect biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, of travelers at the point of entry and exit.
Function:
The EES tracks how long travelers stay in the Schengen zone to monitor compliance with the 90-day rule and enhance border security.
What is ETIAS?
Purpose:
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization for travelers from visa-exempt countries who plan short stays in the Schengen Area.
Function:
It’s a pre-departure approval that acts as a pre-check system, similar to the U.S. ESTA.
Requirements:
Travelers will need an approved ETIAS in addition to their passport to enter.
How are they associated?
Supportive Relationship:
The two systems are designed to support each other.
Sequential Launch:
The EES is expected to launch first, and the ETIAS will become operational about six months after the EES is in place.
Data Sharing:
The EES can automatically access and process information from an approved ETIAS authorization, linking the two systems.
How will the EES work? What is new during the border checks?
If you arrive at a border crossing point for the first time since the EES started:
You will have to provide your personal data. Passport control officers will scan your fingerprints or take a photo of your face. This information will be recorded in a digital file.
This process can be quicker if you register some of your data in advance. You can do this by using:
- the dedicated equipment (“self-service system”), if available at your border crossing point; and/or
- a mobile application – if made available by the country of arrival or departure.
In any of the instances above, you will meet a passport control officer.
If you have crossed the borders of the European countries using the EES more than once since the EES started:
Your fingerprints or the photo of your face will already be recorded in the EES.
The passport control officers will only verify your fingerprints and photo, which will take less time. In rare cases, it may be necessary to collect and record your data again.
If you hold a biometric passport, you will be able to enter more quickly using the self-service system (if available at that border crossing point).
Please be aware that all the other conditions for entry or exit remain valid and passport control officers may, at any time, take measures as necessary, such as collecting again the image of your face, etc.
Which data are collected by the EES?
You need to provide your personal data each time you reach the external borders of the European countries using the EES. For more information – see What does progressive start of the EES mean?
The EES collects, records and stores:
- data listed in your travel document(s) (e.g. full name, date of birth, etc.)
- date and place of each entry and exit
- facial image and fingerprints (called ‘biometric data’)
- whether you were refused entry.
On the basis of the collected biometric data, biometric templates will be created and stored in the shared Biometric Matching Service (see footnote).
If you hold a short-stay visa to enter the Schengen area, your fingerprints will already be stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) and will not be stored again in the EES.
Depending on your particular situation, the system also collects your personal information from:
- the Visa Information System (which contains additional personal information)
- the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) , in particular the status of your ETIAS travel authorisation and, if applicable, whether you are a family member of an EU national.
All this is done in full compliance with data protection rules and rights.
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