Europe's new digital entry/exit system: What you need to know about the EES
As international travel continues to evolve, Europe is taking a significant step toward modernising its border control systems. From October 12, 2025, the European Entry/Exit System (EES) will transform how travellers enter and exit the continent's most popular destinations.
How Europe is modernising border checks
The EES represents Europe's move to join other international destinations in automating and digitising their visa and immigration systems. This new system will affect all Australian passport holders and other non-EU travellers visiting any of the 29 Schengen countries.
Gone are the days of manual passport stamps. Instead, the EES will use automated digital registration to record travellers' biometric details—including fingerprints and facial images—when entering or leaving Europe. This shift aims to improve border security, reduce airport wait times, and enhance the overall travel experience.
What to expect as a traveller
The good news? There's no cost involved, and no pre-departure preparation required. The EES is completely free for travellers.
The process change: Upon your first trip to Europe after the October rollout, you'll need to register your biometrics at a border kiosk. This one-time registration involves providing fingerprints and having a photo taken. Once completed, your details remain valid for three years.
Where it happens: Registration will take place at the border of any Schengen country, whether you're arriving at airports, ferry ports, Eurostar terminals, or Eurotunnel/Dover facilities.
Travellers should be aware that longer wait times are likely as they arrive to Europe, as the new system is rolled out and travellers are registered on the new system.
The EES paves the way for the ETIAS in 2026
The EES is setting the foundation for another significant change coming to European travel. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch by the end of 2026. Unlike the EES, ETIAS will require pre-application and involve a fee—similar to systems already in place for destinations like the United States (ESTA) and Australia (ETA).
Staying ahead of travel changes
For business travellers and travel managers, staying informed about evolving requirements is crucial for seamless corporate travel planning. The European market remains a vital destination for Australian business, and understanding these changes ensures efficient navigation of new systems.
If you have any questions or need support planning business travel into Europe (or anywhere else!), get in touch with one of our travel experts.
