Say goodbye to passport stamps! Europe is going digital. From 12 October 2025, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) will transform how non-EU travellers enter the Schengen Area’s 29 countries. No more inked passports – instead, it’s all about biometric data.
Estonia and Luxembourg Lead the Digital Charge
Estonia and Luxembourg are first off the mark. Estonia is converting all its border points, including the busy Tallinn Airport, to the new EES system from day one.
“Estonia is ahead of the pack, as it was with visa abolition for most Europeans in the early 1990s,” said Neil Taylor, author of the Bradt guide to Estonia. “Given that Tallinn airport prides itself on speedy but secure border controls, Brits should still find it one of the easiest airports both arriving and departing.”
Luxembourg is also joining on launch day, rolling out EES at Luxembourg Airport backed by a €1 million upgrade to kiosks and IT systems.
What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
Forget those old passport stamps. The EES means non-EU visitors must have their fingerprints and photo taken on arrival in Schengen countries.
- Biometric data registered at kiosks or border booths
- No pre-registration or extra fees—it’s free and automatic
- Information securely stored for three years to speed up future checks
Heads up: The first queues could be longer as travellers get used to the new process. Patience is key!
When Will Other Countries Join?
The other 27 Schengen states and non-EU countries Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland will follow in phases.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
For UK holidaymakers, biometric border checks entering the Schengen zone are now the new normal. Get ready for a smarter, faster, and safer European trip!
