EES Explained: What Europe’s New Border System Means for Travelers

Haille Wallace
Oct 10
3 min read

Traveling to Europe is about to get a high-tech upgrade, and your next trip may look very different at the border. Starting October 12, 2025, the European Union will roll out its new Entry/Exit System (EES), designed to streamline border crossings for non-EU travelers. Gone are the days of traditional passport stamps (a crime!). Travelers will now use self-service kiosks, provide biometric data like fingerprints and facial scans, and move through border checks much more efficiently. While the system is design to make travel smoother, it's important to understand how it works, who it affects, and what you need to know before your trip.

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What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES is an automated IT system developed by the European Union to register non-EU travelers staying for short periods (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). This system will be implemented in the following 29 European countries:

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The new EES will start operations October 12, 2025. European countries using EES will gradually implement the data collection at their external borders with full implementation by April 10, 2026.

How Will it Work?

The Entry/Exit System is designed to modernize and expedite the border entry process. Here is what to expect:

Passport Scan: At either a self-service kiosk or at a border control desk, travelers will scan their passports. This replaces the traditional stamp process and ensure the information is recorded electronically.

Biometric Data Collection: Travelers will provide biometric information, including a face scan and fingerprints. This data is used to uniquely identify travelers, improving security and the risk of identity fraud. Please note: The fingerprints of children under the age of 12 are not being scanned at this time, even if they are subject to EES.

After completing the process for the first time, the Entry/Exit System will be much quicker due to border control only needing to verify your information.

Data Protection

The EES will store travelers' biometric data and travel information for up to three years. The EES collects, records, and stores:

data on your travel document (i.e. full name, date of birth, etc)
date and place of entry and exit in the Schengen Area
facial image and fingerprints (biometric data)
if you were refused entry

This data is collected to reinforce external border management, prevent irregular immigration, and identify travelers using fake identities or who may have exceeded their stay—to name a few. All personal and biometric data is securely stored and strictly protected, with access limited to authorized personnel in compliance with EU data privacy standards.

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The Entry/Exit System (EES) marks a major step forward in modernizing travel to Europe. By automating bording checks and using secure biometric data, it aims to make crossing faster, safer, and more accurate for both travelers and authorities. While the system may seem high-tech, understanding how it works and what to expect will help ensure your next European trip goes smoothly.

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Vacations in Paradise is a luxury travel agency based in the Austin, Texas area. We are dedicated to crafting personalized and unforgettable travel experiences. Our services encompass all-inclusive packages, cruises, guided tours, Asia, Europe, destination weddings, Disney vacations, and more. With a commitment to exceptional service and expertise, we aim to bring our clients' dream vacations to life. Let us help you discover your paradise!