On October 12, 2025, the EU will launch the Entry/Exit System (EES) for travelers from outside the EU. The system will digitally register passports, fingerprints, and facial recognition, replacing traditional stamps. The rollout will be gradual over six months. Information campaigns will minimize potential waiting times. ETIAS, a mandatory online travel authorization for visa-free travelers, will follow in 2026, and will become fully effective in 2027.
European Parliament approves gradual introduction of new Entry-Exit System (EES) at EU external borders
The European Parliament has decided to gradually implement the new Entry-Exit System (EES) at the EU's external borders. This system will register the entry and exit of people from outside the EU. Their fingerprints and facial data will also be stored. The aim is to increase security, speed up border checks, and reduce waiting times. The rollout will take place within 180 days. The official launch date will follow later.
ETIAS postponed again now until end of 2026
Travelers from outside the EU, including Americans, do not have to fill out any additional paperwork for the time being. The mandatory European travel authorization ETIAS has been postponed again, this time until the end of 2026. Until then, you can simply travel to the Schengen area without digital permission. But beware: the new rules are coming, this is what you need to know.
EU postpones implementation of new digital border system again
The introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) in the EU has been postponed again. Originally scheduled for launch on 10 November, Germany, France and the Netherlands are not ready yet. The system is intended to modernise border controls with digital data recording, but technical problems are holding up the introduction. A new date has not yet been set, and a phased launch is being considered.
Europe strengthens border control with new entry/exit system from November 10
From November 10, 2024, the European Union will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES), an advanced IT system that modernizes border controls at the EU's external borders. This system automatically registers entry and exit of non-EU citizens, increases security and streamlines border processes. With this step, the EU wants to make border crossings more efficient and combat identity fraud.
The EU warns international students about the introduction of ETIAS in 2025
By 2025, international students should be aware of ETIAS: the European travel information and authorization system.