EU to Launch New Entry/Exit System (EES) in 2025

The European Union is introducing a new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will come into effect on October 12, 2025. This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the RA. The purpose of the new system is to strengthen the control of the Schengen Area's external borders, increase security, and simplify processes for non-EU citizens. The new system applies to all citizens who are not citizens of an EU or Schengen Area member state, including citizens of the RA.

What is changing?

At border crossing points, EU and Schengen Area states will register every entry and exit, replacing the current practice of stamping passports.

Data to be registered:

Personal data (name, surname, citizenship, etc.),

Travel document data,

Date and place of entry and exit,

Biometric data: fingerprints and facial scan.

The system will automatically monitor whether the person's entry is permissible and whether the "90 days in any 180-day period" rule for short stays in the Schengen Area has not been exceeded.

The system will operate at all external border crossing points: airports, seaports, and land border crossings.

Travelers should be prepared to provide biometric data (fingerprints, facial scan) and for longer border check times, especially when entering for the first time.

The EES is the EU's large-scale digital border management system, developed to increase the transparency and security of migration processes.