Visiting Europe will look a lot different starting next month . The long awaited Entry/Exit System (EES) will officially start operations on October 12th, 2025 , reaching full implementation by April 10, 2026.

The new system will require non-nationals of 29 European countries to provide biometric data at border crossing points to better detect overstayers , strengthen security, and speed up travelers’ time at the border.

Biometric scans: what can I expect?

Once the EES launches, travelers’ experiences at the European border will differ based on whether it’s their first time or they’ve already crossed into Europe before.

Arriving at the European border for the first time

If its your first time at the borders of a European country using the EES, officers may ask for a facial

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