To improve the quality of border controls and speeding up border-crossing procedures, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be launched in on October 12, 2025. Starting October 12, 2025, the 29 European countries using the EES will gradually deploy the system at their external borders over a six-month period. During this period, travellers’ data may not be collected at all border crossing points immediately. From April 10, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points.
The EES will be an automated information system for the registration of third-country travellers for short stays, both short-stay visa holders and visa-free travellers. At each crossing of the EU’s external border, and regardless of the purpose of the visit, the EES will register alphanumeric personal data, travel-document data, biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of entry and exit.
The EES envisages wider use of automated checks and self-service systems which will lead, in the long term, to more convenient and faster border crossings. Nevertheless, in the first months after launch, a longer time to complete border control can be expected, both on entry and on exit.
In the first months, the initial registration including the biometric data collection, will take place under the supervision of border control personnel. Travellers should therefore expect adjustments to border control processes that may lead to processing delays. Trained staff will assist passengers at international airports in the Czech Republic. After the initial registration, during the following five years, only previously obtained data will be verified at entry/exit, which will speed up border controls.
More information about the EES is available on the European Commission’s website at this link.
Updated on September 12, 2025.