Travel to Europe is changing. From 12th October 2024, the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will officially be introduced, bringing the biggest shift in border control procedures in decades.

Designed to modernise the way travellers from outside the EU enter and exit the Schengen Area, the EES replaces traditional passport stamping with a digital registration system. This is part of a wider EU initiative to improve border management, strengthen security, and ensure fairer monitoring of travel across Europe.

What is the EES?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system that will register:

The name of each traveller entering or leaving the Schengen Area
Date and place of entry and exit
Biometric data including fingerprints and a facial image

This replaces the need for border guards to manually stamp passports, offering greater efficiency and accuracy.

Who will be affected?

The EES will apply to:

Non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area, even if they don’t need a visa
Travellers holding short-stay visas

The system will not apply to:

EU citizens
Residents of the EU
Those travelling between Schengen countries

What travellers can expect at the border

When crossing into the Schengen Area, travellers will need to register the first time they arrive after 12th October. This includes:

Presenting your passport
Providing fingerprints and a facial scan
Having your entry logged into the system

While the new process may take slightly longer during the initial rollout, subsequent crossings should become quicker as your information will already be stored digitally.

Possible questions at Schengen borders

Even with the EES in place, border guards may still ask travellers some questions to verify their visit. Common questions include:

What is the purpose of your visit? (tourism, business, visiting family, etc.)
How long do you intend to stay?
Do you have proof of accommodation? (hotel booking, invitation letter, etc.)
Do you have sufficient funds to support your stay?
Do you have travel insurance covering your visit?
When will you be leaving the Schengen Area? (return ticket evidence may be requested)

It’s always a good idea to travel with supporting documents such as hotel reservations, return tickets, and proof of finances to avoid delays.

Why the change?

The EU has been planning this system for years as part of a move towards smarter borders. The goals are to:

Enhance security by reducing illegal stays
Prevent the misuse of travel documents
Provide more accurate travel data
Speed up border checks in the long run

Ultimately, the EES is intended to balance convenience and security, creating a safer and more streamlined travel experience for millions of visitors each year.

Looking ahead: Preparing for the EES

If you’re planning a trip to Europe after 12th October, allow extra time at border controls during the early stages of rollout. With millions of travellers transitioning to the new system, some initial queues are expected.

Being prepared with the right documents and understanding the new process will help your journey go as smoothly as possible.

The introduction of the EES marks the beginning of a new era in European travel. While it may take some time to get used to, the long-term benefits - faster border crossings, better security, and more transparent travel records - will make visiting Europe a safer and more seamless experience.

The Entry/Exit System launches 12th October: What travellers need to know