Traveling to Europe?

Sheila Smith
Oct 19
3 min read

Here’s What You Need to Know About the New Entry/Exit System

By Sheila Smith,

Believe You Can Travel, byctravel.com

Published October 19, 2025

Big Changes at the Border But Don’t Worry, I’ve Got You

Starting October 12, 2025, Europe is rolling out a new Entry/Exit System (EES) for travelers from outside the EU including Americans. It’s a tech upgrade that replaces those old-school passport stamps with digital tracking. The goal? Smoother travel and better security.

Full rollout is expected by April 2026, but if you’re traveling this fall or winter, you’ll be among the first to experience it. Let’s walk through what it means for you without the jargon.

What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)

Think of EES as Europe’s new digital check-in system. Instead of stamping your passport, border agents (and kiosks!) will record your visit electronically. Here’s what happens:

🖐️ You’ll scan your passport at a kiosk

📸 You’ll provide a facial image and fingerprints

🗓️ Your travel dates will be logged automatically

⏳ Your 90-day limit will be tracked no more counting stamps!

European Union

What’s the Schengen Zone Again?

It’s a group of 29 European countries that act like one big travel area. Once you’re in, you can move freely between places like France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Greece—without extra border checks. EES applies when you enter or exit this zone.

Here’s the full list of Schengen countries as of 2025:

Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany

Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia

Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia

Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland

📌 Note: Ireland, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom are not part of the Schengen Zone, so different entry rules apply there.

Why Is Europe Making This Change

Two big reasons:

✨ Efficiency – Automated kiosks will eventually speed things up

🔐 Security – Digital records help prevent overstays and keep travel safe

📌 Advisor tip: Expect longer lines at first while everyone adjusts. But once your info is in the system, repeat trips should be faster!

Who Needs to Use EES

If you’re a non-EU traveler visiting for less than 90 days, this applies to you. That includes:

🇺🇸 Americans

🇨🇦 Canadians

🇦🇺 Australians

🇬🇧 Brits (post-Brexit)

🌎 Other non-EU nationals

Whether you’re flying in, cruising to a port, or crossing by train or car you’ll be processed through EES.

What Will the Border Experience Be Like

Here’s a quick peek at what to expect:

🛫 Airports: Scan your passport, give biometrics, confirm entry

🚢 Cruise ports & land borders: Same process applies

🕒 First trip: Allow extra time for registration

🔁 Repeat trips: Faster processing your info is already stored

Will This Change the 90-Day Rule

Nope not at all. The rule stays the same. But now, EES will track it for you. No more flipping through stamps or guessing how many days you have left. Super helpful if you’re hopping between countries!

Tips to Keep Your Travel

✅ Arrive early, especially during rollout

✅ Make sure your passport is in good condition

✅ Be patient, lines will improve over time

✅ Work with a travel advisor (hi, that’s me!) to stay ahead of changes

FAQs About EES

When did it start?

October 12, 2025. Full rollout by April 10, 2026.

Is this the same as ETIAS?

Nope it is not. ETIAS is a separate travel authorization (like the U.S. ESTA). You’ll need both once ETIAS launches in late 2026.

Do I need a visa for Europe?

Not for short stays under 90 days. But ETIAS will be required once it’s live.

Will this slow things down?

At first, yes. But it’ll get faster especially for frequent travelers.

Does this apply to cruise passengers?

Yes! If your cruise stops in a Schengen port, you’ll go through EES.

What if I overstay?

EES will know. Overstays could lead to fines or future travel issues

Final Thoughts

Europe’s new Entry/Exit System is a big change but it’s designed to make travel smoother and safer. With a little prep, you’ll breeze through it. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m here to guide you every step of the way so your trip is joyful, easy, and unforgettable.