24.10.2025
Starting in October 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) began rolling out across 29 European countries. Find out who the new rules will affect, how biometric registration is carried out, which countries are participating, and what will change for Russians when traveling to Europe.
Starting in October 2025, the European Union began phasing in the Entry/Exit System (EES) across 29 countries. Traditional passport stamps are being replaced with a digital record of entries and exits. The change primarily affects non‑EU visitors, including Russian citizens traveling for short stays of up to 90 days. In theory, this should speed things up; however, during the early rollout you should expect longer lines and occasional glitches as systems stabilize.
EES is an automated system that records every border crossing by non‑EU/Schengen nationals (third‑country nationals) at the external borders of the Schengen Area. It replaces physical passport stamps with a single, unified digital record of your trips. The system collects:
passport details;
a facial photograph;
fingerprints for travelers age 12 and up;
the date, time, and place of each crossing;
information about previous visits and any entry refusals.
Where and how you register. On your first trip, you’ll register at a self‑service kiosk located in airports, seaports, train stations, and land border points. Your passport is scanned and your fingerprints are taken. On subsequent trips, the system verifies your biometrics against the database, which should make the process faster. Depending on the country and crossing point, you may also complete registration with an officer at a desk — especially early in the rollout where kiosks aren’t yet available. Your information is kept in EES for three years after your last exit.
The system went live on October 12, 2025, with full rollout targeted for April 10, 2026. For now, passport stamps may still be used in parallel during the transition. All Schengen countries participate, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Cyprus and Ireland are not part of EES.
First Entry. You register at a kiosk: your passport is scanned, your fingerprints are taken, and a facial photo is captured.
Data check and recording. The system stores the information in the EES database and automatically tracks your length of stay.
Exit. When you leave the EU, the system records the crossing and checks whether you exceeded the 90‑day limit.
Repeat entry. Your biometrics are matched with what’s on file—no extra steps are required.
Heads‑up on wait times. In the first months, wait times may increase, especially at major airports, as systems and staffing settle in. Some airports are advising UK travelers to allow up to four hours. Local guidance will vary.
EES records border crossings and tracks how long you stay; it’s used at the border.
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization some visa‑exempt nationals must obtain before travel.
EES is a digital replacement for passport stamps. ETIAS is a pre‑travel clearance. For Russian travelers, only EES applies — visa rules are not changing, but border control is becoming electronic.
On your first trip, biometric registration is required.
If you have a non‑biometric passport, you won’t be able to use the kiosks. Several countries, including Denmark, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, France, and Estonia, don’t accept non‑biometric Russian passports.
Holders of Russia’s 5‑year non‑biometric international passports can still enter the EU, but must complete registration manually with an officer.
Why the EU says this helps:
shorter lines in the long run;
more transparent migration control;
better prevention of overstays and illegal entry.
Implementation details vary by country and even by airport. For example, Luxembourg announced EES at Findel Airport, while Sweden is already using a preregistration app to streamline the process.
EES operates under EU data‑protection rules (GDPR). Only authorized border agencies can access the system; your data can’t be used for marketing or to track your movements for other purposes. Data is retained for three years after your last exit and then deleted automatically. You can request a copy of your data or ask to have it deleted sooner, where applicable.
What to Do Before You Travel (Checklist)
Check your passport. Make sure it’s valid for your trip and, ideally, biometric.
Plan extra time for the border during the first months of rollout.
Keep your documents handy (visa, supporting papers).
Mind the 90/180 rule — EES will calculate it automatically, but you should track it, too.
Follow local airport guidance about kiosks, apps, and lines.
EES is the biggest upgrade to Europe’s border checks in decades. It combines security, digitization, and convenience — but during the transition it will reward travelers who arrive prepared and allow extra time.
