Defi Defi • 6 days ago

Traveling in Europe – Launch of the Entry/Exit System in EU Member States: What You Need to Know

Traveling in Europe – Launch of the Entry/Exit System in EU Member States: What You Need to Know

The European Union will officially launch the Entry/Exit System (EES) this Sunday, October 12, 2025.

According to a statement issued by the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Mauritius this Wednesday, this new digital border management system aims to simplify and optimize travel in Europe.

More details in the press release below:

Press Release

The European Union launches the Entry/Exit System (EES) to enhance border security and simplify travel in Europe.

The European Union will officially launch the Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025. This new digital border management system is designed to simplify and optimize travel in Europe. It will record third-country nationals making short stays each time they cross the external borders of one of the 29 European Schengen Area countries.

The Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius, H.E. Mr. Oskar Benedikt, stated:

  • "The Entry/Exit System will allow travelers to enjoy smoother and more efficient border crossings. It will be gradually implemented starting from October 12, 2025. The Delegation, in collaboration with the French Embassy and our network of honorary consuls, will ensure the dissemination of all information related to the system's implementation."

What is the EES?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated computer system that records third-country nationals making short stays each time they cross the external borders of one of the 29 European countries using it.

This system applies to third-country nationals who:

  • Require a short-stay visa to enter the European countries using the EES;
  • Do not need a visa for short stays in the European countries using the EES.

A "short stay" refers to a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This period is calculated as a single timeframe for all the European countries utilizing the EES.

The list of categories of people not covered by the EES is available on the official website: Travel Europe EES.

The EES will collect, record, and store:

  • Data from your travel document(s) (such as full name, date of birth, etc.)
  • The date and place of each entry and exit
  • Facial images and fingerprints (referred to as "biometric data")
  • Denials of entry.

The EES aims to:

  • Modernize and optimize border checks: the EES will gradually replace passport stamps with a digital system that records travelers' entries and exits, speeding up border checks and improving staff efficiency.
  • Facilitate and expedite cross-border travel: with the EES, travelers will spend less time at the border due to quicker checks, self-service options, and the ability to provide their information in advance.

What changes for Mauritian nationals traveling to Europe starting October 12, 2025?

  • The EES will be rolled out gradually. European countries will introduce the various components of the EES in stages, including the collection of biometric data, such as facial images and fingerprints. This means that biometric data for travelers (facial image and fingerprints) may not be collected immediately at every border crossing point, and their personal information may not be recorded in the system. Passports will continue to be stamped.
  • This gradual implementation will last until April 9, 2026.
  • From April 10, 2026, the EES will be fully operational, and the stamp on passports will be replaced by electronic records in the system.

The EES protects personal data:

  • Upon arrival at the borders, non-European travelers will receive a brochure (electronic via a QR code or paper) containing detailed information about the EES and associated rights before their data is recorded.
  • The EES complies with strict European data protection standards to ensure the confidentiality and security of travelers' data.
  • All information regarding the rights of individuals concerned is available at: EES Data Protection.

Context: * The 29 European countries in the Schengen Area are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The Schengen Area:

The Schengen Area comprises 29 countries: 25 EU member states (Cyprus and Ireland are not part of it) and 4 third countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein). Each day, over 3.5 million people cross internal borders for work, study, or visiting family without additional administrative formalities and, in most cases, without additional waiting time. It is not only about saving time at the border but also about reducing costs, promoting talent mobility, and bringing Europeans closer together.

The benefits of Schengen extend beyond EU citizens. Third-country nationals can also enjoy its advantages through a Schengen visa, allowing them to enter and move freely within the Schengen Area for a maximum duration of three months within a six-month period, whether for tourism, business, or work.