The European Union’s new electronic Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin implementation in October 2025 at the bloc’s external borders, Deputy Minister for Migration Nicholas Ioannides announced on Wednesday in Brussels.
The system, incorporating biometric controls including fingerprint registration, will not be launched simultaneously across all EU member states, Ioannides told reporters upon arrival at the Justice and Home Affairs Council.
“We have the date – it is precisely October 2025, but some time will be needed for all member states to align with this new system,” Ioannides said.
The EES will replace manual passport stamping with automated registration of travelers’ personal information, biometric data, and entry/exit dates for non-EU nationals visiting Schengen countries.
Implementation timelines will vary as member states adapt existing border control infrastructure to accommodate the new technology requirements.
EU sources indicate the staggered approach reflects varying levels of technical readiness across the bloc, with border agencies requiring different timeframes to complete necessary upgrades. (incyprus()
