Moving to Europe? Here is the New Border Game-Changer You Need to Know About

Europe is about to make your border crossings a little smarter — and if you’re planning a move, it’s worth knowing what is coming. Starting October 12, 2025, the EU launches the Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital way to track who enters and leaves the Schengen Area. Think of it as Europe going high-tech with your travel records.

Goodbye, Passport Stamps

The EES will start on October 12, 2025, and will be phased in gradually until April 2026. During the transition period, stamping may remain in place in some locations. What happens to the iconic ink stamp after the transition period? Gone! Instead, your arrival and departure are logged digitally. On your first trip under EES, border officers will snap a photo and take fingerprints - a one-time setup that makes future entries faster. Families, breathe easy: kids under twelve (12) won’t need fingerprints.

If you’re moving to Europe in 2026, you’ll experience the new process.

Who is in the Mix?

EES mainly affects travellers from outside the EU staying up to 90 days in any 180-day window. That is visa-free visitors from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and short-stay visa holders. The EES does not apply to EU/Schengen citizens or to people holding a residence permit or a long-stay D visa. Citizens of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and holders of passports issued by the Vatican are also exempt from the EES.

Why the Upgrade?

The EU is aiming for three things by this upgrade: smarter security, fewer overstays, and faster travel control. Digitizing entries and exits makes it easier to track visitors while smoothing the process once you’re registered. This is part of a larger modernization program, which also includes the introduction of the ETIAS travel authorization, which will be launched in the last quarter of 2026 and will be a new entry requirement for non-EU citizens from 59 visa-exempt countries.

What to expect?

Expect a little extra time at your first border crossing
Digital rules, no stamps: Your travel history is recorded automatically
The EES stores travel events for a period of three (3) years; however, if there is no exit record or in cases of overstay, the storage period is extended to five (5) years.
Kids under twelve (12): no fingerprint required.
Future entries: Quicker and smoother once you are recorded in the system.

Pro Tip: If you are traveling close to the October launch date, arrive early for the border control - especially with family. Those first few extra minutes at the border are worth it for hassle-free trips down the road.

A Digital Welcome to Europe
EES is a small hurdle for a big payoff. Europe is rolling out the red carpet in a digital way. Think of EES as a friendly handshake: quick, modern, and ready to welcome you to your new life.

Bonus: Once fully operational, the system will automatically track your 90/180-day stay, but user self-checking is still recommended as system errors and different local practices may occur.