EU introduces electronic border controls, replacing physical passport stamps
The European Union (EU) is set to launch a new electronic border system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), on October 12, 2025. This system, designed to increase security within the EU and facilitate travel across the Schengen Area, will gradually replace the current passport stamping system.
The EES is a significant step towards digitizing the entry and exit of non-EU citizens. It records biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, and travel information for these individuals as they enter and leave the Schengen Area. The system aims to reduce document and identity fraud, help identify those who overstay their temporary residence, and prevent irregular movements.
The phased rollout of the EES will last six months, with full operation expected by April 10, 2026. Each EU country will have up to 180 days to adopt the system fully. The new system will involve 29 countries in the Schengen area, including all 25 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Notably, Germany, France, and the Netherlands have stated that they are not yet ready for the transition. The current manual passport stamping procedure will become obsolete as the EES takes over, leading to enhanced security checks starting from mid-October 2025.
The new system will also facilitate entry and exit for EU citizens with travel rights, enabling increased use of automated border controls. This is expected to streamline the border crossing process, making travel more efficient for all parties involved.
The EES is part of the EU's broader efforts to strengthen its borders and ensure the safety of its citizens. The goal is to increase security in the EU while maintaining the free movement of people that the Schengen Area is renowned for.
The EU's new electronic border system is a significant development in border control technology, marking a shift towards more efficient, secure, and automated processes. As the system rolls out, travelers can expect a more seamless and secure experience at EU borders.
[1] https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/policy-areas/entry-exit-system/index_en.html [3] https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/policy-areas/entry-exit-system/faqs_en [4] https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/policy-areas/entry-exit-system/documents/regulation-2019-1155_en.pdf [5] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12543-European-Entry-Exit-System-Regulation-2019-1155_en
- The Entry/Exit System (EES), a significant step towards digitizing the entry and exit of non-EU citizens, will record biometric data and travel information as part of the EU's broader efforts to strengthen its borders and ensure the safety of its citizens.
- The EES, designed to increase security within the EU and facilitate travel across the Schengen Area, aims to reduce document and identity fraud, help identify those who overstay their temporary residence, and prevent irregular movements, making it a notable advancement in border control technology.
