UAE travellers get easier Schengen visa access to Europe from October 12

Dubai: Planning a trip to France, Italy, Germany or anywhere else in Europe’s Schengen zone? From October 12, 2025, your entry into these countries will look very different.

That’s when the European Union officially launches its Entry/Exit System (EES) — a digital border control platform that replaces paper visa stickers and passport stamps with biometric scans and automated checks. For UAE travellers, this means faster e-gates, no more visa stickers, and smoother arrivals. Here’s what it means for you:

What is the EES, in simple terms?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated border system designed to digitally log your travel when you enter or exit the 29 Schengen countries. That includes all your favourite destinations: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and more.

Instead of having your passport manually stamped, the EES will register:

• Your fingerprints

• A facial scan

• Your passport details

• Time and place of entry/exit

This information will be stored securely for up to three years or until your passport expires.

How does this affect UAE travellers?

Whether you're travelling on a UAE passport (which is visa-free for short stays in the Schengen zone) or a resident on an Indian, Pakistani, Filipino or other passport with a Schengen visa — the EES applies to you.

Here’s how it’ll change your experience:

• No more stamps – Your travel will be logged electronically

• Biometrics on your first entry – Fingerprints + facial scan required once

• Faster future border crossings – Thanks to automated e-gates

• Strict tracking of your 90/180-day limit – Overstays will be automatically flagged

When and where is this happening?

• Launch date: October 12, 2025

• Rollout period: 6 months

• Affects all 29 countries using the system (including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and more)

• Does not apply to Cyprus or Ireland

Even if you’re just transiting through a Schengen country, expect to be registered.

Worried about delays or long queues?

Not necessarily — but be prepared. While the goal is smoother travel in the long run, the first few months may see some hiccups at busy airports.

Airports and border crossings in Europe will start information campaigns to help travellers understand the new procedures. You might see additional signage or be guided to separate queues the first time.

What’s the bigger picture?

The EES is part of Europe’s move to “smart borders.” It's being rolled out alongside ETIAS (Europe’s version of the US ESTA visa), which will become mandatory for visa-free travellers in 2026.

Together, these changes aim to:

• Boost border security

• Prevent overstays

• Modernise the travel experience

Bottom line for UAE travellers: If you’re flying to Europe from October onwards, your border experience will look different — but smarter. Instead of a paper stamp, it’ll be a digital scan. Instead of uncertainty, you’ll have clarity about your stay.

It’s the end of passport stamps, but the beginning of faster, tech-driven European travel.