Europe to Adopt Biometric Entry Systems Replacing Stamps, Starting from October 2025
The European Union is set to launch a new Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, marking a significant shift in border control measures for travelers to Europe[1][2][3][4][5]. This digitized system will replace traditional passport stamping and manual checks for non-EU nationals traveling for short stays (up to 90 days)[1][2][3].
Starting from October 12, 2025, non-EU travelers will undergo biometric registration in 29 European countries, including all 25 EU member states that are part of the Schengen area, as well as four non-EU Schengen states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland[3].
Under the EES, travelers' biometric data, such as facial photographs, fingerprint scans, name, and type of travel document, will be centrally stored for the first time in EU history[3]. This data collection aims to enhance security, accurately enforce the 90-day stay rule, detect overstayers, document/identity fraud, and contribute to preventing irregular migration[3].
The system also aims to make travel smoother and safer[3]. It will operate in all 29 countries for six months, with a phased implementation[1][2][3][4][5]. The EES meets high standards for data protection and privacy to safeguard travelers' personal information[3].
A notable feature of the EES is the €20 fee that non-EU travelers will be required to pay and the prior authorization they will need to obtain for visiting the Schengen Area under the ETIAS norms[6]. Opting out of providing biometric data is not an option, and those who refuse will be denied entry[6].
The ETIAS, a visa waiver system for some non-EU nationals, is expected to launch by the end of 2026, following the implementation of the EES[2]. The EES and ETIAS are expected to reduce overstay incidents and enable real-time data exchange between countries[7]. Data stored in the EES will be automatically deleted after three years, except for data on overstay violators, which will be stored for five years[7].
In summary, the EES will digitize border crossing checks, streamline border controls, and improve security for travelers to Europe starting from October 12, 2025. It will require non-EU short-stay travelers to undergo biometric registration in 29 European countries, storing data securely to enforce border rules and improve both security and the traveler experience. The ETIAS will follow, expected towards the end of 2026.
[1] https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/document-library/articles-and-news/news/entry-exit-system-ees-to-be-implemented-from-12-october-2025_en [2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12644-Entry-Exit-System-EES-and-Travel-Information-and-Authorisation-System-ETIAS_en [3] https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/document-library/articles-and-news/news/entry-exit-system-ees-to-be-implemented-from-12-october-2025_en [4] https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/document-library/articles-and-news/news/entry-exit-system-ees-to-be-implemented-from-12-october-2025_en [5] https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/document-library/articles-and-news/news/entry-exit-system-ees-to-be-implemented-from-12-october-2025_en [6] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12644-Entry-Exit-System-EES-and-Travel-Information-and-Authorisation-System-ETIAS_en [7] https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/document-library/articles-and-news/news/entry-exit-system-ees-to-be-implemented-from-12-october-2025_en
