Islamabad: On 12 October 2025, a new Entry/Exit System (EES) for the Schengen area be will start operations. It will progressively introduce a digital border control for short-term visitors to Europe, and replace physical passport stamping. The Entry Exit System (EES) is a biometric border check for travelers to the 29-country Schengen Area that will ease travel for non-Europeans to European countries. This means that biometric data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.  Please visit the Entry/Exit System (EES) webpage for details. 

The European Entry/Exit System is a border check for non-EU nationals travelling to the Schengen area of 29 European countries for short stays. This means data will begin to be collected at border crossing points of participating countries from that date and the EES is expected to be fully operational by 10 April 2026.

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES) about? 

With a population of 450 million, the Schengen countries have abolished passport and border control at their mutual borders. This creates a zone of free movement between them for citizens, residents and visitors. 

As the streamlined border management system for the European Union, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is the key to travel in Schengen Area countries.

Who is the EES for? 

The Entry/Exist system is for non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay to a European Schengen-area country. Exemptions apply. Follow the link to visit the official EES site for a full list of exemptions.

What does the EES do?

The EES is a border check at the external border of the European Union/Schengen Area. The goal is to speed up border checks and to improve internal security. 

What kind of information does the EES require? 

EES collects data already listed in your travel document, the date and place of each entry & exit and biometric data. This information will make border checks more efficient and secure. 

More information

• Follow this link to go to the official EES website with all the important details
• Follow this link if you are thinking about applying for a Schengen visa