From 12 October 2025, countries in the Schengen Area will introduce the digital Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace passport stamps with electronic registration. The new rules will apply to travelers from countries outside the EU who enter on a visa or without one for stays of up to 90 days within a six-month period. For holders of residence permits, students, and researchers, the entry procedure will remain unchanged.
At the first border crossing, tourists will be required to submit biometric data — fingerprints and a photograph. The data will be collected at special electronic kiosks, after which the traveler will still be checked by an officer. The information will be stored for three years, so biometric data will not need to be provided again on subsequent trips. This is intended to speed up border crossings and reduce the administrative burden.
All 29 Schengen countries, including Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, will switch to the new procedure. The system will be rolled out gradually over six months. The introduction of EES is intended to improve security and simplify the entry process for law-abiding travelers. If the system meets expectations, border queues may shorten and trips to Europe may become even more comfortable.
