Europe’s New Entry/Exit System: What Travelers Should Know

Big changes are coming to Europe’s borders! Starting October 12, 2025, the European Union will introduce a new Entry/Exit System (EES) – a digital way to record travelers entering and leaving 29 European countries.

That means no more passport stamps – instead, your entry and exit will be logged electronically.

What is the EES?

The EES replaces manual passport stamping with a quick digital check. When you arrive, border officers (or self-service kiosks) will scan your passport, take your photo, and collect your fingerprints. Your info is stored securely and used to track how long you stay which helps enforce the 90 days in any 180-day period rule.

Where it applies:

EES will cover most of Europe’s popular destinations, including: France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany, Portugal, and more, plus non-EU Schengen members like Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. (Ireland and Cyprus are not included – they’ll keep using traditional passport stamps).

When does it start?

The system went live on October 12, 2025 and will gradually roll out across Europe over the following months. By April 10, 2026, it should be fully up and running everywhere. So, if you’re traveling to Europe in late 2025 or beyond, chances are you’ll go through the new process.

Who needs to register:

You’ll be registered automatically if you’re a non-EU traveler visiting for a short stay (up to 90 days). This includes travelers from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, and countries that require a short-stay visa.

What to expect at the border:

At your first EES entry, plan for a few extra minutes – your details will be recorded for the first time. After that, crossings will be faster!  During the rollout, lines might move slower than usual, so give yourself extra time when arriving or departing.

What you need to do:

The good news is that there is no pre-registration needed – it happens automatically! Just bring a valid (preferably biometric) passport and keep track of your days to stay within the 90-day rule.

Bottom line:

Europe’s new EES system is designed to make travel more secure and efficient. The first trip might take a few extra minutes, but future entries should be smoother – letting you focus on what really matters: your next adventure!