The European Union is set to unveil a significant overhaul of the entry and exit process for affected travelers, effective from October 12, 2025. This initiative aims to modernize border management in the Schengen area by implementing an input-output system that ensures enhanced tracking and control of short-term stays. The enhanced procedure will affect third-country nationals, introducing digital processes that collect essential traveler information to facilitate smoother border crossings.
Starting from October 12, 2025, the European Union will implement a newly designed entry and exit system aimed at improving the management of the Schengen area’s borders. This innovative approach focuses primarily on third-country nationals, enhancing the monitoring of short visits to the Schengen zone, regardless of visa requirements. With the system having been in development since 2022, a pivotal digital transformation will replace the traditional manual processes currently in use.
Introduction of the Input-Output System (EES)
The new Input-Output System (EES) signifies a significant advancement in border management for the Schengen zone. This system marks the transition from outdated manual passport checks to a streamlined and entirely digital process. The information collected will include a traveler’s name, passport number, photograph, fingerprints, and the timestamps of entry and exit through the border. Moreover, any refusal of entry will be documented, ensuring a comprehensive record keeping approach.
Data Management and Centralization
All relevant data pertaining to travelers will be stored in a centralized database for an extended period of three years. The main objective lies in the efficient management of short-term stays, which will be crucial in curbing unauthorized or overstayed visits. This comprehensive database will also facilitate the seamless verification of compliance with Schengen regulations.
Travelers’ Self-Monitoring Mechanism
A critical feature of the EES will be a new online tool designed for travelers that enables them to monitor their stay duration within the Schengen area. This tool will calculate the remaining days from a maximum allowance of 90 days within a 180-day period. By providing transparency regarding their stay, travelers can better plan and regulate their actions accordingly.
Gradual Implementation Across Schengen States
The implementation of the EES will not occur uniformly. Instead, it will be gradually rolled out across all external borders of Schengen member states. It is important to note that this system will not affect EU citizens or resident legal holders, nor will it apply to individuals with long-stay visas or special residence permits.
New Procedures for Border Crossing
Under the EES framework, travelers will need to scan their passports at designated terminals each time they cross external borders. Additional biometric measures, including fingerprint scans and photographs, will be required, contrasting sharply with the current processes. While this may extend waiting times at borders, the implementation will be accompanied by extensive communication and awareness campaigns to ease the transition.
The Arrival of ETIAS in 2026
Furthermore, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to complement the EES, expected to be fully functional by 2027. This electronic travel authorization will be mandatory for citizens of visa-exempt countries entering the EU. The introduction of ETIAS will gradually take effect, with the fee for this authorization reportedly increasing from the initial €7 to €20.
Eligibility for ETIAS
Nationals from 59 countries will be required to obtain the ETIAS travel authorization, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to ensuring safety and security for all managing entry within its borders.
- Launch Date: October 12, 2025
- System Name: Entry-Exit System (EES)
- Target Audience: Third-country nationals traveling for short stays
- Data Collection: Digital information of travelers
- Information Captured: Name, passport number, photo, fingerprints
- Data Storage Duration: Three years in a centralized database
- New Requirements: Passport scanning at border terminals
- Processing Changes: Potential longer wait times
- ETIAS Introduction: Expected by late 2026
- Cost for ETIAS: Increased from €7 to €20
The European Union will introduce a revamped entry and exit process for affected travelers on October 12, 2025. This new procedure includes the implementation of the Entry-Exit System (EES), which will replace manual passport checks with a fully digital approach. The system will collect essential information, such as names, passport numbers, photos, and fingerprints, alongside records of entry and exit times. This change aims to enhance the control of short-term stays in the Schengen area. Additionally, travelers will benefit from a new online tool to monitor their remaining days within the zone.
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