EU Entry/Exit System enters service

The European Union’s (EU) new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), which oversees registrations for travellers entering the regional bloc, has begun operation as part of a phased rollout.

The system, which requires non-EU citizens to register at the border by scanning their passport and having their fingerprints and photograph taken, became operational at a number of points of entry on 12 October.

Non-EU passport holders, such as those from the UK, will now be required to register on their first entry to a country where EES checks are in operation. This registration is valid for a rolling three-year period, or until the passport expires.

When exiting the EU, and on subsequent visits, travellers will then only be required to scan their passport and provide either fingerprints or a photograph at the border.

The system is due to be phased in over the next six months, with varying requirements for entry expected to be in place acroass different ports until April 2026. It replaces the old system of passport stamping for non-EU citizens.

Travellers with dual citizenship who are using their EU passports will be exempt from the new requirements. Children under the age of 12 will not need to be fingerprinted, but must be photographed.

A complex new system

Andy Smith, Director, Borders at airport technology firm SITA, stated: “Border officers now need to collect biometric data, check passports, and register third-country nationals (TCNs) directly into a central EU system. For airports, this means managing new passenger flows and making sure these checks don’t cause longer queues or missed connections, especially at peak times.

“It’s a complex transition that requires preparation, coordination, and reliable EES technology to keep things moving smoothly,” he continued. “The EU’s phased EES rollout may help reduce pressure in the early days, but it also creates uncertainty. Not all European airports will switch on at the same time, and passengers, airlines, and airports need clear information to plan accordingly. Communicating rollout plans early and clearly, and encouraging the use of EES pre-registration apps where available, will be key to minimising confusion and ensuring smoother journeys.”

The EES has had a difficult implementation – the system was originally due to go online in 2022, but has been delayed several times.