Travellers arriving at or departing from Europe’s Schengen Area will face a new border control procedure from October 12, as the traditional passport stamp is replaced by a digital Entry/Exit System (EES).
The automated system will apply to non-EU nationals visiting for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. According to the European Union, the EES will register a person’s name, travel document details, biometric data including fingerprints and a facial image, and the dates and locations of their entry and exit. The EU has stated that the process will be conducted in full respect of fundamental rights and data protection.
How the New System Works
On their first visit after the system’s launch, travellers will have their personal details, a facial photograph, and fingerprints collected by border officers. This information will be securely stored in the EES database. For all future visits, the entry and exit process will be logged automatically using the data already on file, eliminating the need for manual stamping.
The primary goals of the EES are to accelerate border checks, improve security by maintaining more accurate records, and prevent visitors from overstaying their permitted time. The system will automatically track the 90-day stay limit, a reminder of how closely international travel can be monitored.
Airline Advisories
The change does not affect EU citizens, Schengen residents, or individuals holding long-stay visas or residence permits.
In preparation for the new rules, major airlines have begun to inform their passengers. Emirates Airlines issued a travel update advising people to plan for longer waits at border control, particularly on their first trip after the system is active. “Please allow extra time for border checks, especially on your first trip after the system goes live,” the notice stated. Air Arabia has also released a similar statement to its customers. These advisories come as regional carriers continue to expand, with news that Riyadh Air just announced its first flight recently making headlines.
The EES will be introduced gradually across all Schengen border points. Officials expect the system to be fully operational by April 2026.
