Europe Rolls Out Major Digital Border System: EES to Launch in October 2025

The European Union will officially launch its new digital border management system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), this Sunday, October 12, 2025. The initiative, announced by the EU Delegation to the Republic of Mauritius, aims to simplify and streamline travel across Europe by modernising border controls.

What the EES Does

The EES is an automated IT system designed to record non-EU nationals on short stays—defined as a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period—each time they cross the external borders of the 29 European countries in the Schengen area. It applies to all non-EU short-stay third-country nationals, whether or not they require a visa.

The system is intended to:

• Modernise border controls: EES will phase out passport stamps, replacing them with digital entry and exit records to accelerate checks and improve staff efficiency.
• Speed up travel: By using faster checks, self-service options, and the ability to submit information in advance, the EES aims to reduce border waiting times for travellers.

Ambassador’s View and Data Collection

H.E. Mr. Oskar Benedikt, the EU Ambassador to the Republic of Mauritius, stated that the EES “will allow travellers to benefit from a smoother and more efficient border crossing.” He confirmed the system will be introduced progressively from October 12, 2025.

The EES will collect and store:

• Travel document data (e.g., full name, date of birth).
• Date and location of each entry and exit.
• Biometric data, specifically a facial image and fingerprints.
• Records of any refusals of entry.

The EU has stressed that the EES adheres to strict European data protection standards to ensure the confidentiality and security of traveller data. Non-EU travellers will receive a brochure (electronic or paper) outlining the EES and their associated rights upon arrival at the borders before their data is recorded.

Phased Rollout and Full Implementation

The system will not be fully operational immediately; its introduction will be progressive until April 9, 2026.

During this phased implementation:

• European countries will introduce different EES elements in stages, including the collection of biometric data.
• Travellers’ biometric and personal data may not be collected instantly at every crossing point.
• Passport stamping will continue.

The EES is scheduled to be fully operational from April 10, 2026, at which point the passport stamp will be completely replaced by electronic records within the system.

Background: The Schengen Area

The EES will be used by the 29 European countries that make up the Schengen Area. This area is composed of 25 EU member states (excluding Cyprus and Ireland) and four third countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein).

The Schengen Area allows for free movement without internal border checks across these countries.

Non-EU nationals with a Schengen visa can travel and circulate freely within the area for a short stay.

Source: Defi Media