Planning a European getaway to France, Italy, or Germany?

From October 12, 2025, travelling to Europe will become faster and more convenient for UAE residents and citizens. The European Union is officially launching its Entry/Exit System (EES) — a digital border management platform designed to simplify immigration procedures across the Schengen area.

This new system replaces traditional passport stamps and visa stickers with biometric verification, allowing travellers to move across European borders more efficiently.

🛃 What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES, or Entry/Exit System, is an automated border control solution that digitally records the entry and exit of non-EU travellers visiting Schengen countries.

Instead of having your passport manually stamped, the system securely logs:

• Your fingerprints
• A facial recognition scan
• Your passport information
• The date and location of entry and exit

All this data is safely stored for up to three years, ensuring smoother and more transparent border control processes.

✈️ What Does the EES Mean for UAE Travellers?

Whether you hold a UAE passport (eligible for visa-free short stays) or you’re a UAE resident travelling on another nationality with a Schengen visa, this new process applies to you.

Here’s what will change under the EES:

• ✅ No more passport stamps — travel details are recorded automatically
• 👁️ Biometric registration — your fingerprints and face scan will be captured on your first entry
• ⚡ Quicker border clearance — thanks to automated e-gates and digital records
• 📆 Accurate stay tracking — your 90/180-day limit will be monitored electronically

This digital transformation means faster, more accurate, and more secure border control for all travellers entering the Schengen area.

📅 When and Where Will the System Launch?

• Implementation Date: October 12, 2025
• Transition Period: Around 6 months
• Applies To: All 29 Schengen countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland
• Excludes: Cyprus and Ireland
Even transit passengers passing through Schengen airports will be automatically registered through the EES system.

⏳ Will There Be Delays at the Airport?

Initially, some airports may experience longer queues as border officials and travellers adjust to the new digital process. However, once enrolled, UAE travellers will enjoy faster, self-service e-gates on future trips.
European airports plan to launch traveller information campaigns and introduce dedicated signage to guide passengers during the rollout phase.

🌐 Europe’s Shift Toward Smart, Secure Borders

The EES is part of the European Union’s broader Smart Borders initiative, which focuses on enhancing border security and improving the travel experience.
It will work alongside ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) a mandatory pre-travel authorisation for visa exempt travellers expected to go live in 2026.
Together, EES and ETIAS aim to:
• Strengthen border protection
• Prevent overstays and identity fraud
• Modernise Europe’s travel infrastructure

✅ The Bottom Line for UAE Travellers

Starting October 2025, entering Europe will look very different and much smarter.
Say goodbye to manual passport stamps and hello to digital verification, faster queues, and a more seamless border experience. The EES rollout marks a new era of tech-driven, secure, and efficient travel for UAE residents heading to Europe.
The future of travel is digital and it begins at Europe’s smart borders.