Biometrics to replace passport stamps at EU border from October
Officials explained that the biometric data will be collected at the point of departure, including airports, ports, and train stations, through dedicated booths.
Travellers heading to Europe will soon be required to undergo fingerprint and facial scans at border crossings, the European Commission has announced.
As part of a new system, these checks will begin replacing passport stamps from October 12.
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According to the Commission, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital system that will record entries and exits of non-EU nationals travelling to 29 European countries, including Schengen-associated states, for short stays.
It will collect biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, along with other travel information, gradually replacing the current practice of stamping passports.
"The commission has set October 12, 2025, as the launch date for the progressive start of operations of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES)," said the European Commission in a statement.
The Commission stated that the system will modernise and improve the management of EU external borders.
It added that the EES will provide reliable data on border crossings, help detect overstayers, and prevent document or identity fraud. The Commission noted that the system will also contribute to preventing irregular migration and improving the security of European citizens.
Officials explained that the biometric data will be collected at the point of departure, including airports, ports, and train stations, through dedicated booths.
Once registered, a traveller’s data will be valid for three years, while those who overstay without a visa will have their records kept for five years. The registration process will be free of charge.
The European Commission said the system will be introduced progressively over six months, with full deployment expected by April 10, 2026.
"From October 12 onwards, Member States will start introducing the EES gradually over six months. Border authorities will progressively register the data of third-country nationals crossing the borders. At the end of this period, the EES will be fully deployed at all border crossing points," said the commission.
"The gradual start of EES aims to allow Member States to start benefitting from the new system, whilst ensuring that border authorities, the transport industry and affected travellers have time to adjust to the new procedures," it added.
The Commission assured that the EES would comply with strict data protection standards, and said that travellers’ data would be kept secure and confidential.
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