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<p>Traveling to Europe this fall? Big changes are coming! Starting October 12, 2025, the new <strong>Entry/Exit System (EES)</strong> will replace passport stamping and track all non-EU travelers electronically as they enter and leave 29 EU countries. The system will be gradually rolled out, and by April 2026, it will be fully live across Schengen borders.</p>



<p class="is-style-info has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-61db771e31910ac759158b10341d95f2" style="background-color:#33b7bc">NOTE: This is not to be confused with the long-promised ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) that is currently slated to start operation in late 2026.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What the EES means for you </h2>



<p>Assuming you are non-EU-national and have a short-stay visa (or do not need a visa to stay in Schengen borders for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period):</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Your entry and exit dates to the EU will be automatically logged</li>



<li>Your biometric data will be collected (facial image and fingerprints) at border crossings</li>



<li>Overstaying your 90-day limit will now be flagged immediately (no more wondering if you have to do the Schengen shuffle, you’ll know for sure!</li>



<li>Your passport will (most likely) no longer be stamped upon entry and exit to participating EU countries</li>



<li>Passport control queues should have reduced waiting times (once all the kinks are worked out)</li>
</ul>



<p>For the most up-to-date information, head over to the <a href="https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees">EES Homepage</a>. And remember to pack your patient pants when traveling. As is normal with new systems, there are likely to be some hiccups. Take a deep breath and practice kindness, this is new to all involved!</p>

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