From Stamps to Scans: Europe Implements New Biometric Entry System in October

A New Era for European Border Entry: Starting October 12, 2025, the advanced Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric system will come into effect. The system will monitor every entry and exit to the Schengen area, eliminating the need for manual passport stamps and further simplyfying things for travelers.

Subsequently, the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be required for visa-exempt countries.

Gradual Rollout for EES

The EES will be gradually implemented across the external borders of 29 European countries over a six-month period. Each will introduce various system components in different phases, including biometric data collection such as facial images and fingerprints.

This means that travelers' biometric data will not be immediately collected at every border crossing, and their personal details may not always be recorded in the system. Meanwhile, passports will continue to receive stamps as usual.

Photo: Alexandra Lande / Shutterstock

The gradual application will continue until April 9, 2026. As of April 10, 2026, the EES will be fully operational at all external crossing points of European countries using the system.

The system will monitor the duration of the stay (up to 90 days every 180 days) and alert for overstays or unauthorized entry, allowing better border control, increased security, and fraud or identity theft prevention.

ETIAS to Go Into Effect by the End of Next Year

ETIAS, referred to a the "Europe visa", is an online travel authorization system expected to be in effect by the end of 2026, once the EES is fully operational.

The authorization will be required for all travelers from visa-exempt countries (such as the USA, Canada, Israel, and Australia).

Application fee: 7 EUR.

The authorization will be valid for 3 years or until the passport expires.

Children under 18 and adults over 70 will be exempt from payment; however, they will still need to apply.

Practically: the ETIAS obligation will only take effect in 2027.

EU and Schengen countries that do not need ETIAS or visa: member states (including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein).

Visa-exempt countries required to have ETIAS: the USA, the UK, Israel, Japan, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and approximately 60 other countries.

Countries that require a Schengen visa: India, China, Thailand, Morocco, Turkey, etc.