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 scan or fingerprint.
Already crossed the European border using the EES
Repeat travelers’ biometric data will already be recorded within the EES. Thus, passport control officers will only need to verify your identity, which will be a much quicker process.
Biometric passport holders (indicated on a passport by a small golden camera icon at the bottom of the front cover) will be able to move through border crossings even more efficiently by using the self-service system.
How is my data stored?
The EES collects:
- data listed in your travel document(s) (e.g. full name, date of birth, etc.)
- date and place of each entry and exit
- facial image and fingerprints (called ‘biometric data’)
- whether you were refused entry
Such data will be used to create biometric templates that will be stored in the shared Biometric Matching Service, protected by EU data security standards.
Can I refuse to have my biometric data taken?
You cannot deny providing your biometric data if you wish to enter the country. The European Union warns it will deny travelers entry into the territory of the European countries using the EES if one does not provide the required data.
Privacy safeguards I should know?
Although handing over data can be scary, you have rights in regards to your personal data. These include the right to:
- Request from the controller access to data relating to you
- Request that inaccurate or incomplete data is corrected
- Request that unlawfully processed personal data that concern you is erased and/or request that specific data are not processed
Moreover, rest assured that:
- The system complies with EU privacy laws
- Data is encrypted and accessible only to authorized officials
- Standard entry rules still apply—EES only adds biometric verification, not new restrictions