• The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start on October 12, 2025.
• The system will replace passport stamps with digital biometric registration.
• Concerns have been raised about longer wait times at borders.
• The rollout will occur gradually over six months across participating countries.

The European Commission announced that the Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to launch on October 12, 2025, after being delayed from the previous November. This system will replace traditional passport stamping, recording the biometric data of non-EU nationals, including fingerprints and facial images, as they enter and exit the Schengen states and other participating European countries, excluding Ireland and Cyprus. The initiative aims to enhance security and streamline border management, as emphasized by EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, who stated it will help in identifying overstays and reducing fraud, according to The Local, Le Monde, and AA.

The phased implementation of EES will allow EU member states time to adjust, with plans for a six-month rollout where half of border crossing points will utilize the system after three months and full deployment by the end of six months. Travelers can expect information campaigns at airports and borders to prepare for the changes. Concerns have been raised regarding potential delays at border crossings, as the Foreign Office of Britain indicated that "EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete," leading to longer waiting times at borders, according to The Local and Le Monde.

The EES not only aims to improve border management but is expected to enhance the overall travel experience through the increased use of automated checks, while also ensuring high data protection standards. These developments represent a significant technological advancement in how the EU manages its external borders, according to AA and Le Monde.