EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) launching in October: What it means for UAE travellers

Dubai: If you are a UAE resident planning a trip to Europe later this year, there’s a new border control system you should be aware of. Starting in October 2025, the European Union will roll out the Entry/Exit System (EES) - a fully automated IT system designed to register and monitor non-EU nationals travelling to and from countries in the Schengen Area. Here’s a simple guide to what EES is, how it works, and what it means for your next trip.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an electronic border control system that will record the movements of non-EU travellers crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area. This includes both short-stay visa holders and travellers who don’t need a visa (like many UAE passport holders).

When you enter or leave a participating country, the EES will collect and store the following:

This data will be stored for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

The system is designed to replace the current manual process of passport stamping, improving border security and monitoring overstays more effectively.

While the system is not yet active, the European Commission has indicated that the EES is expected to launch in October 2025. An official start date will be announced several months in advance, so travellers will have time to prepare.

The EES will apply when you cross the external borders of any of the following 29 countries:

That means, for example, flying from the UAE to France or entering Germany by land will involve EES registration.

Note: Internal borders within the Schengen Area will not use the EES. Ireland and Cyprus are EU countries but will not be using the system, passports will continue to be stamped manually there.

As a UAE resident or passport holder, you wil experience several changes when visiting Europe:

Biometric data on first entry - The first time you travel to a Schengen country after the EES launches, you will need to register your fingerprints and a facial image. This only needs to be done once — unless your passport changes or expires.

No more passport stamps - Your entry and exit will be logged electronically — no more manual stamps. This helps enforce the 90/180-day rule, which allows non-EU nationals to stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Faster border crossings (eventually) -  Over time, the EES should speed up border checks thanks to automated e-gates and streamlined processing. However, longer wait times may be expected during the initial rollout phase, especially at busy airports and land borders.

The EES applies to all non-EU nationals travelling to participating countries, including those who:

Every entry, exit, or refusal of entry will be recorded in the system.