A tide of changes began at congested airports and seaports over the weekend as the EU’s Entry/Exit System was introduced. Gradually phasing out passport stamps over a 6 month transition period, the EES will be fully operational by April 10, 2026 and have tackled the complex and difficult task of adjusting member states and travellers to fully automated biometric and fingerprint checks across the bloc’s external frontiers.
From 12 October 2025, EU Member States will progressively begin registering the data of non-EU nationals crossing external borders for short stays; defined as up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Each country can determine which border crossing points will activate the system first, allowing a gradual adjustment for border authorities, transport operators and travellers.
Electronic records will replace the manual system previously, providing a reliable digital log of entries and exits, as well as automatically identifying overstayers and potential cases of document or identity fraud. The system will also enhance border security while making travel smoother through increased automation.
“With the Entry/Exit System, Europe takes a digital leap forward, making external borders smarter, enhancing security while facilitating legitimate travel,” said Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy. “By working closely with eu-LISA, Member States and the transport sector, we are delivering a secure, efficient and travel-friendly system that combines cutting-edge technology with Europe’s commitment to safety and innovation.”
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, called the EES “the digital backbone of our new common European migration and asylum framework.”
He added, “With its launch, we are modernising how we manage our external borders. Every person who arrives at an external border will -without exception – undergo identity verification, security screening, and registration in the EU databases”.
At border points where the EES is active, non-EU nationals will have their passport data, facial image, fingerprints, and entry or exit details recorded electronically. After the first registration, subsequent crossings will require only a quick verification.
At Identity Week Europe, experts from FRONTEX and global border protection agencies will discuss the implementation challenges and successes. Join the conversation on 9 and 10 June in Amsterdam at our sessions covering “biometrics at the borders”, “biometric implementation”, “seamless travel”, and “EES and ETIAS”.
