Major changes are being introduced for travellers from non-EU countries, as the traditional passport stamp is being replaced by a fully digital control system.
The European Union is moving forward with the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) — a biometric and automated system that will record the entry and exit of third-country nationals who enter the EU for short stays. The system will be applied at the external borders of the following countries:
- Austria,
- Belgium,
- Bulgaria,
- France,
- Germany,
- Denmark,
- Switzerland,
- Greece,
- Estonia,
- Iceland,
- Spain,
- Italy,
- Netherlands,
- Croatia,
- Latvia,
- Lithuania,
- Liechtenstein,
- Luxembourg,
- Malta,
- Norway,
- Hungary,
- Poland,
- Portugal,
- Romania,
- Slovakia,
- Slovenia,
- Sweden,
- Czech Republic,
- and Finland.
According to a report by The Guardian, the new system will begin rolling out this weekend, with a gradual transition and full implementation expected by April 10, 2026.
As stated on the EU’s official website, the EES will gradually replace manual passport stamping with a digital record that logs each traveller’s entry and exit dates and locations, along with biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images. This aims to speed up border checks and improve staff efficiency.
Additionally, the system is designed to combat illegal immigration and enhance security, by giving border authorities improved access to traveller information.
What should travellers know?
Upon first entry, travellers will need to answer Schengen-related questions and provide their biometric data, which will create a personal file stored for three years. During this period, re-entry into the EU will only require a fingerprint or facial scan — the initial process will not need to be repeated.
The Australian government’s Smartraveller website warns that the system may cause delays and longer queues at borders during its initial phase:
“The registration process takes only a few minutes, but once the system is operational, travellers may experience longer wait times at the border.”
