Europe’s border upgrade is going live. Here is what changes on October 12, who needs to enrol, and how to keep your trip smooth during the six month transition.
The European Commission has fixed October 12, 2025 for the progressive start of the Entry/Exit System, the database that replaces manual passport stamping for non-EU short-stay visitors at Schengen external borders. Member States will introduce the system gradually so airports, ports and land crossings can scale up without overwhelming queues.
From this date onwards, the EES will be progressively rolled out at the external borders of 29 European countries, over a period of six months.
EES applies to third-country nationals visiting for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, whether visa-exempt or holding a short-stay visa. It does not cover people with residence permits in Schengen countries or those holding long-stay visas. The biggest practical change is that stamps go away and your time in the area is calculated automatically.
What actually happens at the border
On your first trip after launch, expect a kiosk or a staffed desk to scan your passport, take a live facial image, and capture four fingerprints if you are visa-exempt. If you needed a short-stay visa, you likely gave fingerprints with your application, so the border enrolment focuses on your face image. On later trips, officers verify your stored record which shortens checks.
During the rollout, procedures will vary by crossing point. Large airports will move first, with some land and sea borders taking longer. Until every post is ready, you may see a mix of new kiosks and old-style stamping. Full coverage is planned by April 2026.
Who must enrol, and who is exempt
You must enrol if you are a non-EU visitor making a short stay in the Schengen area. That includes nationals of the UK, US, Canada, Australia and many others. Children under 12 provide a facial image but not fingerprints. You are exempt if you live in a Schengen country or travel on a long-stay visa, but carry your residence card or visa so officers can route you correctly.
Privacy and data retention
The system stores your passport details, entry and exit records, and the biometrics taken at the border. Records are usually kept for three years. If there is no exit after your authorised stay expires, or if you overstay, the retention extends to five years. Access is restricted to competent authorities under EU law.
Quick guide for a smoother first EES trip
Arrive earlier than usual for your very first crossing after October 12, particularly at busy land or sea ports where kiosk numbers may be tight.
Follow airport and port signage to EES kiosks, remove hats and glasses for the photo, and keep fingers clean and dry for prints.
Bring standard supporting documents that officers often request. Proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and evidence of funds still matter because Schengen checks continue alongside EES.
Kids under 12s are photographed but do not provide fingerprints. Teenagers may be asked for both.
When you travel multiple times without a visa, your digital record ensures border officers can automatically track your 90 days within a 180-day period. To avoid surprises, you can also check your stay allowance in advance with the HelloSchengen Calculator.
For broader background on pre-travel screening, see our explainer on new ETIAS details and how it will work with EES once both systems are fully live.
Air, land and sea: what to expect
Airports are adding more self-service kiosks and e-gates. Some carriers will trial dedicated lanes for first-time enrolments to reduce knock-on delays at departure gates.
At ferry ports and the Channel crossings, operators are planning separate flows for families and coach groups. Expect staff to direct first-timers to manned positions at peak hours.
Land borders that handle seasonal traffic will build up capacity through winter. If you are driving, keep your travel documents within reach and stay with your vehicle unless instructed otherwise.
How EES fits with ETIAS
EES records your border crossings. ETIAS is a separate pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors. ETIAS is not required when EES launches and is expected to follow in the last quarter of 2026. For additional context on policy aims, see our overview of how ETIAS adds pre-entry control.
The road ahead
Officials say the aim is clearer day counts, fewer overstays, and faster queues once first-time enrolments are out of the way. In the early weeks, plan for small variations by country and crossing. Then watch the lines shrink as the system settles in.