EU Entry/Exit System: What Travelers Should Know

Why it matters

The European Union is preparing to introduce the Entry/Exit System, or EES, for many non-EU travelers entering the Schengen area. Instead of relying on passport stamps, the new process will create digital entry and exit records and collect biometric data such as fingerprints and a facial image.

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Where delays may appear

The first registration is expected to take longer than a standard passport check because border authorities will need to capture additional information. Airports may be better equipped to handle the change, but ports and land crossings with limited space could face heavier pressure during peak travel periods.

ETIAS and scam risks

After EES, the EU is expected to launch ETIAS, an online travel authorization for many visa-exempt non-EU visitors. The fee is expected to be 7 euros for travelers aged 18 to 70, and officials have warned that fake ETIAS websites may try to copy official services or add unnecessary charges.

How travelers can prepare

Check the latest rollout dates before departure, allow extra time at the border, and keep travel documents ready for inspection. It is also sensible to rely only on official EU information channels and, if you hold EU residency, verify whether special exemptions or alternative procedures apply.