EU to Launch Phased Entry/Exit System in October 2025

The European Union (EU) is set to implement its long-anticipated Entry/Exit System (EES) starting in October 2025. This decision follows a consensus reached by EU interior ministers during a meeting in Brussels on March 5, 2025, aiming to enhance border security and streamline the monitoring of non-EU nationals entering and exiting the Schengen Area.

Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak stated that “October is our horizon” for launching the system, though an exact date has yet to be confirmed.

The EES will replace passport stamping with an automated system, registering biometric data (fingerprints and facial scans) of non-EU travelers entering and leaving the Schengen Area.

EES Implementation Strategy

To accommodate varying levels of preparedness among member states, the EU has adopted a flexible, phased approach for the EES rollout:

• Transition Period: Countries may opt for a six-month transition phase, during which they will gradually integrate the EES into their border control procedures.

• Initial Phase: In the first month, participating nations are expected to register at least 10% of border crossings through the EES.

• Biometric Integration: Member states can operate without biometric functionalities for the initial 60 days. After three months, they should implement the EES with biometric capabilities at a minimum of half of their border crossing points.

• Full Implementation: By the end of the six-month period, all member states are required to fully register all individuals using the EES.

During this transition, traditional passport stamping will continue until the EES becomes fully operational.

How the EES Will Change Schengen Border Control

The EES is designed to modernize border management by replacing manual passport stamping with automated biometric data collection, including facial recognition and fingerprint scans. This system aims to improve the accuracy of tracking entries and exits, prevent identity fraud, and bolster overall security within the Schengen Area.

Following the EES, the EU plans to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in the last quarter of 2026. ETIAS will require visa-exempt travelers to obtain authorization before entering the Schengen Area, further strengthening security measures.