New Border Control System for Non-EU Travelers Launches in October

Travelers heading to Europe will soon encounter a significant change in border control procedures. The European Union is set to implement its long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES) starting this October, marking a new era for non-EU nationals visiting member countries. Initially scheduled for launch in 2021, the system has faced multiple delays but is now poised for rollout.

The EES will be mandatory for all non-EU travelers, meaning biometric data collection will be a requirement for entry. Refusing to provide this data will result in denial of entry, so it’s crucial for travelers to be informed about what to expect.

Designed to enhance border management, the EES is an automated information technology system that registers non-EU nationals who are traveling for short stays—defined as up to 90 days within any 180-day period. One of its primary objectives is to monitor and identify individuals who overstay their allotted time in Europe.

According to the European Union’s official website, “The EES modernizes border management by increasing efficiency and quality of processes at the border. It also simplifies travel and makes it safer.”

The countries implementing this new system include 29 nations: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Notably, Cyprus and Ireland will not participate, continuing with manual passport checks. Though not EU members, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are part of the Schengen Area and adhere to the same short-stay regulations.

The EES will be introduced in phases over a six-month period. Starting October 12, 2025, data collection will gradually commence at border crossing points, with full implementation expected by April 10, 2026. During this transition, travelers might find that biometric data is not collected at every border crossing, and traditional passport stamps will still be in use.

Upon arrival at a border crossing for the first time after the EES launches, travelers will need to provide personal data from their passports, including their full name and date of birth. Border officials will scan four fingerprints and/or take a facial photograph, which will be stored in a digital file known as the Biometric Matching Service. It’s important to note that children under the age of 12 will not have their fingerprints scanned.

While it remains unclear whether the new system will lead to longer wait times at borders, travelers may have the option to pre-register some of their information using self-service kiosks or a mobile app, if available. However, travelers will still need to interact with a passport control officer.

The EES will maintain records of each entry and exit, as well as any refusals of entry, for a period of three years before they are automatically erased. Travelers will have the right to request access to their data, request corrections, and even ask for their information to be deleted.

In addition to the EES, another significant change is on the horizon for European travel. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to be implemented for visa-free travelers in late 2026. Recently, it was announced that the application fee for ETIAS will be set at 20 euros (approximately $23), an increase from the previously proposed fee of 7 euros (around $8).

As you prepare for your travels to Europe, being aware of these new regulations will help ensure a smoother journey. Understanding the requirements of the EES and ETIAS will not only help you navigate the border control process but also enhance your overall travel experience.