EU Entry/Exit System (EES) Guide for Business Travellers: October 2025

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new electronic system that will register non-EU nationals (both short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travellers) each time they cross an EU external border, replacing the manual stamping of passports. Its purpose is to automatically track stays, enforce the 90/180- day rule, detect overstays, and strengthen border security.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is intended to launch on the 12th October 2025 and is expected to be fully implemented by 9th April 2026 (though timelines may shift depending on readiness).

The new system will be used at airports, seaports and land borders of the following EU countries:

Manual passport stamping will continue to be used in Ireland and Cyprus.

How it works

The system will record a traveller’s name, passport details, facial image and fingerprints, as well as dates and places of entry/exit, including any refusals of entry.

First Time Registration: When you first travel after the system begins, you will need to provide your personal data. A border control officer, or self-service system will scan your fingerprints and take a facial photo. This information will be securely stored in the central EES system.

Subsequent Trips: On future visits, you will only need to verify your passport, fingerprints and facial image. This is expected to take less time, as the system should automatically recognise your details as they are already stored. In some cases, you may be asked to provide this information again. Each entry and exit will be logged, and the system will automatically calculate how many days remain under the 90/180-day rule.

Pre-Registration App

Developed by Frontex, the ‘Travel to Europe’ mobile app will allow travellers to pre-register:

• Travel document details
• A facial image
• Entry Questionnaire (optional)

This is intended to help reduce border wait times – it will not replace border control procedures but aims to make them smoother and faster.

Pre-registration with the app does not grant an automatic right to cross the external border of the EU. When travellers arrive at the border, they will still go through border checks. For security and technical reasons, fingerprints will also need to be scanned at the border in the presence of a border guard.

The app will be available to use within 72 hours before travel, and is expected to launch on the 12th October 2025, alongside the EES rollout. However, please be aware that initial implementation may lag, so expect delays.

Exemptions

The following travellers are not required to register in the EES:

• EU, EEA, and Swiss Citizens.
• Nationals of Cyprus and Ireland.
• Holders of EU residence permits or long-stay visas
•  Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See.
• Diplomats, heads of state, cross-border workers, and others who have been granted certain privileges with respect to border checks.
• Children under 12 are not required to provide fingerprints, however facial imaging will still apply.
• Holders of short-stay visas are not required to provide fingerprints as this should have already been submitted during the visa application process.

Validity

EES enforces the 90 days in any 180-day period rule. Once you enter, the system automatically starts counting down your allowable days. Data recorded upon entry will be stored for a period of 3 years from the last entry or exit date. If an overstay or refusal of entry occurs, some records may be stored longer (entirely under the discretion of border control officers) for enforcement.

UK Travellers – What to Expect:

The UK Government is preparing ports for EES with self-service kiosks:

• Eurostar (London St Pancras): Travellers must use the pre-registration kiosks, which will be located in three areas of the station before going through the ticket gates.
• Eurotunnel (Folkestone): Travellers will be directed to the pre-registration kiosks before embarkation.
• Port of Dover (Ferries): Travellers must pre-register at the Western Docks processing area or a combination of agents and tablets before being directed to the ferry terminal

Processing Times at Borders

Border processing times may vary depending on staffing levels, traffic, and the stage of the EES rollout. Delays are expected, particularly during the early months, with full implementation planned for 9th April 2026.

Travellers are strongly advised to factor this into their travel plans. While no official queue-time estimates have been provided, government guidance indicates that wait times may be longer than usual once the system begins, as registering with EES will add a few extra minutes per passenger.

EU ETIAS – European Travel Information and Authorisation System

Following EES, the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in late 2026 and will apply to visa-exempt nationals.

As part of the application process, eligible travellers will need to complete; an online application form, background/security checks and pay an online fee.

No action is needed yet – more details will be shared closer to launch date.

For further advice or questions, please contact our in-house visa department at visas@travelctm.com.

Useful Links:

European Union- EES – EES Homepage
Frontex (mobile app) – Travel to Europe app
UK Government – European Entry/Exit System – Travel Aware

This material is accurate as of September 2025 and is general in nature. It is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and in practice, does not constitute legal advice. While we use reasonable skill and care in the preparation of this material, we accept no liability for use of and reliance upon it by any person.