Information New Schengen Entry Requirements start October 12 (EES)

[Pauline]

From UK government website:

New Schengen entry requirements​

From 12 October 2025, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin. When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to:

• have you fingerprints and your photo taken
• answer the Schengen Border Code questions

If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, this information will be taken at the border, before you leave the UK. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area.

EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.

Read more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.

 

[Pauline]

From Google AI:

The Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES), which will digitally record the entry and exit of non-EU nationals, is set to begin on October 12, 2025. For Americans traveling to the Schengen Area for short stays, this means they will need to register their biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) upon their first entry. Subsequent entries will involve passport scanning and potentially facial recognition, but not usually additional fingerprinting. The system will be rolled out gradually over a six-month period, with full implementation expected by April 10, 2026.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Key Features of the EES:

• Digital Border Management:
  The EES replaces the current system of passport stamping with a digital system.
  
  
• Biometric Data Collection:
  Travelers will register their fingerprints and facial image upon their first entry.
  
  
• Automated Border Checks:
  The system will automate border checks, potentially speeding up the entry process for travelers.
  
  
• Data Collection and Security:
  The EES will collect, process, store, and share data on entry, exit, and refusals of entry for non-EU citizens.
  
  
• Gradual Rollout:
  The EES will be introduced gradually at border crossings over a six-month period, with full implementation by April 10, 2026.
  
  
• Applicability to Americans:
  The EES applies to all non-EU nationals traveling to the Schengen Area for short stays, including Americans.
  

How it will impact American travelers:

• First Entry:
  Americans will need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) during their first entry into the Schengen Area.
  
  
• Subsequent Entries:
  On subsequent trips, travelers will likely only need to scan their passports, with the system using stored biometric data for identity verification.
  
  
• Potential for Delays:
  While the EES aims to streamline border crossings, there may be initial delays as travelers adjust to the new system.
  

In essence, the EES is a significant change in how non-EU citizens enter and exit the Schengen Area. While it aims to improve border management and security, it will also require travelers to adapt to new procedures, particularly during their initial entry. According to the European Commission, the system is designed to enhance security and streamline travel, but it's important for Americans to be aware of the new requirements and prepare for potential changes at border crossings.

 

[JMichael]

Thanks for the heads-up Pauline. We transit through Turkey on our way to the Czech Republic on October 2nd then on to Austria and Italy. Turkey isn't in the zone. When we exit Venice the system will have been activated, so I guess they'll get us exiting but not entering. From your post, I take it there's nothing we have to do in advance to stay out of jail.

 

[Penn251]

The EES will be implemented gradually starting at only certain entry points and will be fully implemented everywhere by April 2026. https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees/faq##

 

[daydreamer]

Pauline, thank you so much for posting this information.