The European Union has agreed to gradually launch the Entry/Exit System (EES), replacing manual passport stamping with an automated border control process.
EES Set to Begin in Autumn 2025
After repeated delays, EU interior ministers met in Brussels on March 5 and set a tentative timeline. Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak confirmed, “October is our horizon,” suggesting the system will go live in autumn 2025. However, officials have not announced an exact date.
EU member states will have two options for implementation:
- Full Deployment – All border crossings switch to EES at once.
- Phased Deployment – The system rolls out gradually over six months.
How Will the Phased Rollout Work?
Countries choosing a phased approach must follow these steps:
- First 30 Days: Register at least 10% of border crossings under EES.
- First 60 Days: Operate the system without biometric functions.
- After 3 Months: Start biometric data collection (fingerprints and facial recognition) at 50% of border checkpoints.
- After 6 Months: Register all entries and exits under EES.
Until then, border officers will continue stamping passports manually.
What Changes for Travelers?
The EES will track non-EU visitors staying up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Upon arrival, travelers must provide:
- A scanned passport
- Facial recognition data
- Fingerprints
Authorities will store this data for three years to improve security, detect overstays, and prevent identity fraud.
What’s Next?
Poland, holding the EU Council presidency, will finalise negotiations with the European Parliament. The EU’s official EES website states the system will likely launch in October 2025, while ETIAS (the European Travel Authorisation) will follow in late 2026.
As the EU prepares for the rollout, travelers should stay updated on the new border procedures.