EU's new ENTRY-EXIT System

The EU’s new border checks rolls out from 12th October

British passport holders and non-EU nationals are about to become subject to the European Union’s new Entry-Exit System, more commonly known as the EES.  The smart border will roll out gradually from Sunday, 12th October, connecting every crossing point in the Schengen Area.  European countries will introduce the system at their external border progressively, leading up to the full launch by April 10, 2026.

The new system aims to crack down on crime and enforce the limit on EU stays for British and third-country citizens, which is 90 days within any 180 days.

What is the entry and exit EES system?

The entry and exit system is a digital system that will replace passport stamping at border control across the European Union.

People with passports from non-EU countries, including the UK, are required to use the system once it launches.

How does the EES system work in the EU?

Most travellers from outside the EU, known as third-country nationals, will be required to register their passport details and biometric data when crossing into an EU country for the first time.

Biometric data includes fingerprints and facial pictures. Borders are likely to be kitted with self-service kiosks where passengers can input this information.

This data and the entry and exit details will be stored for subsequent visits.  Future visits will only require a verification of the biometric data, which can speed up the process.  On subsequent visits, border officials will also ask extra questions and proof like accommodation, enough money for the trip, insurance and a return ticket.  Children are not exempt from the checks, although children under 12 do not need to give fingerprints, but they will also need to have their face scanned.

What countries will use the new EU entry and exit system?

Including Spain, the new system will eventually be in use in the 25 EU countries, plus Schengen members Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Meanwhile, manual passport stamping will still be used in Ireland and Cyprus.

Who is exempt from the EU entry and exit system?

• EU passport holders, including Irish and Cyprus

  
  

• British passport holder with EU residency permit or long-stay visa

  
  

• Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and passport holders of the Vatican City State/the Holy See

  
  

What countries already use biometric border controls?

Many countries across the world have already implemented digital border control checks involving biometric data like the EES.

These include China, Saudi Arabia, United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Full list of countries rolling out EES in 2025

• Austria

• Belgium

• Bulgaria

• Croatia

• Czechia

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Hungary

• Iceland

• Italy

• Latvia

• Liechtenstein

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Malta

• Netherlands

• Norway

• Poland

• Portugal

• Romania

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland