The EU’s new digital border system, the Entry/Exit System, became operational on 12 October 2025. It will apply to non-EU travellers entering or leaving the EU and will make travelling smoother and safer for all. From now on, EU countries will start electronically registering the data of those coming into the EU for short stays – 90 days in 180-day period.
In practice, where the new system is already in place, non-EU nationals will have their passport data, biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) and entry or exit data registered in the system. The registration will be done at the first entry and at the first exit; then, for each subsequent entry and exit, only a fast verification will be needed. The new system replaces the current practice of manually stamping passports and meets the highest standards of data protection and privacy.
Travellers affected by the new rules can find detailed information about the new procedures on the Official Travel Europe website before entering the Schengen area.
