The European Union will implement its new Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, replacing manual passport stamping for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area, which includes 29 countries.

This digital border control platform will incorporate biometric registration, such as fingerprints and facial photos, to improve security, prevent overstays, and streamline border procedures.

While the EES aims to enhance security and reduce illegal migration, it does not directly impact security screening, which remains a separate process, though it may indirectly influence overall passenger flow.

The system will electronically record entries, exits, and refusals of entry, though some countries like Cyprus and Ireland will continue manual passport stamping during the initial phase.

Travelers will not need to provide biometric data before traveling; instead, they will create a digital record upon their first entry, valid for three years for subsequent visits.

The rollout will be gradual, with full implementation expected by April 9, 2026, meaning travelers may not need to register biometric data immediately.

During the transition, travelers and airport staff may experience longer lines, especially with biometric capture for first-time users, which could initially take more time than traditional passport stamping.

The European Parliament approved the EES with strong support, voting 572 to 42, and the system is set to be adopted across 29 participating countries.

Despite the focus on immigration control, the EES may have indirect effects on passenger flow and airport efficiency, especially if airports coordinate better with pre-check and biometric systems.

Biometric data collection may not be enforced at all border points initially, and passports will continue to be stamped until the system is fully operational.

The UK Foreign Office has warned that travelers from the UK should expect longer queues at borders, particularly during their first visit to a Schengen country, due to the new system.

However, experts suggest that once fully operational, the EES could reduce border queues for regular travelers by processing multiple passengers simultaneously.