If you are travelling to Europe from 12 October this year – you may experience the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at your destinations’ Border Control. The EES is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay and it will be operational in the 29 European countries listed below.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be deployed gradually across the external borders of the 29 European countries over a period of 6 months. This means that travellers’ biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) might not be collected at every border crossing point right away, and their personal information may not be registered in the system. Given this, passports will continue to be stamped as usual.
What will be recorded on EES?
EES will register:
- biometric data—fingerprints and a facial photo (children under 12 shall be exempt from providing fingerprints).
- entry and exit dates, automatically in a central system
- Surname (family name).
- First name or names (given names).
- Date of birth.
- Nationality or nationalities.
- Sex.
- Digital record validity: Once your biometric data is registered, it’s valid for up to 3 years, meaning future entries/exits within that period will be faster—you may only need to verify your fingerprint or photo.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)—Will you need that too?
Earlier this year we sent you a blog re the new “visa” requirement” for Italy (and other parts of Europe). EES (Exit/Entry System at Boarder Control) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) are different requirements. The ETIAS is a separate system focused on pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers, similar to the US ESTA. ETIAS is expected to launch in 2026, after EES. ETIAS will require travellers to apply for authorisation before travel.
You will not need ETIAS for your October 2025 trip but keep an eye out if you’re traveling again from 2026 onwards.
Final EES Tips for Your Travel on 12 October 2025
- Be prepared for biometric checks at border control—carry your passport as usual and follow instructions from border staff.
- Allow extra time at arrival and departure, especially if it’s within the first few weeks of EES going live.
Please feel free to contact us anytime if you have any questions. Of course if you are travelling with us, we will make it a point to provide you with the most up to date information on EES/ETIAS requirements.
Do you know we devise custom made travel itineraries for travellers wanting to not only experience Italy but also other wider Europe. Our fifty years of combined experience living and travelling throughout Italy and Europe, allows us to provide a personalised service and a complete travel package for our clients. For the best custom holidays book with an accredited and expert travel consultant.
