How will the EES work? What is new during the border checks? - European Union
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New requirements to travel to Europe
  • 10 March 2025

How will the EES work? What is new during the border checks?

The Entry/Exit System is currently not in operation.
It is expected to start in October 2025.
The European Union will inform about the specific start date of the EES several months prior to its launch.

If you arrive at a border crossing point for the first time since the EES started

You will have to provide your personal data. Passport control officers will scan your fingerprints or take a photo of your face. This information will be recorded in a digital file.

Your passport (biometric or non-biometric) will not be stamped.

This process can be quicker if you register some of your data in advance. You can do this by using:

- the dedicated equipment (“self-service system”), if available at your border crossing point; and/or

- a mobile application - if made available by the country of arrival or departure.

In any of the instances above, you will meet a passport control officer.

If you have crossed the borders of the European countries using the EES more than once since the EES started

Your fingerprints or the photo of your face will already be recorded in the EES.

The passport control officers will only verify your fingerprints and photo, which will take less time. In rare cases, it may be necessary to collect and record your data again.

If you hold a biometric passport, you will be able to enter more quickly using the self-service system (if available at that border crossing point). If your digital file is clear of any impediments to travel, you will usually not need to go via a passport control officer.

Please be aware that all the other conditions for entry or exit remain valid and passport control officers may, at any time, take measures as necessary, such as collecting again the image of your face, etc.

 

Find out the difference between EES and ETIAS