Travelers heading to Europe will soon face a major change at border crossings. Beginning October 12, the European Union will start rolling out its new Entry and Exit System (EES), replacing traditional passport stamps with fingerprint and face scans. The program will launch with a “progressive start” at select airports and land borders before gradually expanding across the continent. Full implementation is set for April 10, 2026.
The new system will apply to 29 European countries and will be required for all non-EU nationals entering for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Children under 12 will be exempt from fingerprinting, though photos may still be taken.
Officials say the EES offers several benefits. It will modernize border checks by digitally recording entries and exits, making the process faster and more efficient. It also aims to reduce wait times through self-service kiosks and potential mobile app options, while improving security by preventing overstays, tracking irregular migration, and helping authorities combat serious crimes and terrorism.
For first-time travelers after the EES launch, passport control officers will collect personal data by scanning fingerprints and/or taking a facial photo. Returning visitors will only need verification, which should speed up processing.
While the transition may mean longer waits at the beginning, EU officials emphasize that the EES is designed to streamline travel in the long run while increasing security across the Schengen Area.
Countries using the EES
- 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
