EU, non-EU travelers, ettravelworld to launch entry/exit system on 12 October

The European Union will launch the long-awaited entry/exit system (EES) on 12 October 2025, marking a major milestone in Europe’s digital border management strategy. The system will register non-EU citizens for short-term travel between 29 participating European countries, replacing the traditional practice of hand-stamping passports.

EES will automatically record travelers’ names, travel documents, biometric data (including fingerprints and facial images) and time and place of entry and exit. Denial of access will also be registered. The system, developed and managed by EU-wide IT Systems (EU-LISA), will be gradually rolled out over six months at the external borders of the participating states.

Full operation from 10 April 2026, EES, EES, will allow Border authorities to automatically detect overstayers in the Coastal region to automatically detect overstayers.

The new system aims to prevent irregular migration and improve security in Europe while improving the travel experience for non-European visitors. By facilitating automated border controls and self-service options, it is expected to speed up processing times and strengthen safeguards against identity and document fraud.

The European Union will launch the Digital Border Control System, Entry/Exit System on October 12, 2025. The system will record the data of EU citizens entering the Schengen area. This affects Indian passport holders. Collection of biometric data will be phased. The system aims to improve border management. Travelers should expect longer wait times.

Officials say the EES is a step toward easier and more secure borders. It is part of the wider security union framework of the European Union, contributing to both the European Agenda and the European Agenda, in particular border management and the prevention of cross-border crime and terrorism. The European Commission first proposed it in April 2016 as part of the revised Smart Borders package. Following negotiations with the European Parliament and the Council, the regulation was adopted in November 2017 and entered into force the following month. In December 2024, the Commission proposed a progressive start to ensure a smooth transition between all member states, with formal approval by the European Parliament and the Council in May 2025.

With the launch of the system approved on 12 October 2025, the EU is set to usher in a new era of Digital Border Management – security, efficiency and protection of travelers’ rights.

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