EU to Roll Out New Entry/Exit System at External Borders

The European Union Council and Parliament have agreed to gradually implement the Entry/Exit System (EES) to register non-EU nationals entering and exiting the Schengen Area. The system aims to improve border security by digitally collecting biometric data—such as fingerprints and facial images—as well as passport information of travellers staying short-term, regardless of visa status.

Poland’s Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak welcomed the decision, calling it a step toward safer borders. The EES will also help detect overstays and fake identities by providing real-time access to travellers’ data across member states.

EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, stressed the urgency of implementation:

“For the first time, we will have real-time, complete, and reliable information on who enters and leaves the Schengen Area.”

Phased Rollout Over 180 Days

To avoid disruptions, the system will be rolled out in phases:

By Day 30: 10% of border crossings must be registered in the EES.

By Day 90: 35% of crossings and biometric functions must be operational.

By Day 180: Full registration of all non-EU travellers is required.

Countries also have the option to launch the EES in full from day one.

An exact start date hasn’t been confirmed, but Minister Siemoniak hinted that the EU is targeting October 2025 for deployment.