New schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) starting October 2025: complete guide

Starting October 12, 2025, the European Union will officially launch the new Entry/Exit System (EES) — a digital system for recording border crossings. It will completely replace traditional passport stamps and introduce electronic monitoring of all entries and exits of non-EU citizens. Every tourist, student, or residence permit applicant will now undergo biometric registration, with all travel data stored in a unified EU database. This marks one of the most significant changes in European visa policy in decades.

In parallel, the EU is preparing to launch another system — ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) — which will be mandatory for citizens of visa-free countries. The application will cost €20 and can be submitted online. Together, EES and ETIAS will make Europe’s border management fully digital, eliminating manual errors and closing loopholes in border control.

The EES is designed to automatically record the dates of entry and exit of all non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area, whether under a short-stay visa or a visa-free regime. When crossing the border, travelers will undergo biometric screening — passport scan, facial photo, and fingerprint capture. All data will be instantly uploaded to the EU’s central database.

EES will completely replace passport stamps, eliminating the risk of losing or falsifying entry marks. It will also make stay duration tracking transparent. The system will automatically calculate the number of days spent in the Schengen Area, helping travelers comply with the 90/180 rule. Real-time updates will show how many days remain before your permitted stay expires.

Travel data will be stored for three years, and for five years in cases of violations. This means any overstay, even by a single day, will be recorded and may negatively impact your visa history — potentially leading to denial of future visas, residence permits, or citizenship applications.

Following the EES, the EU will introduce ETIAS, an electronic travel authorization system for citizens of visa-free countries — similar to the U.S. ESTA but adapted to European regulations.
Before each trip, travelers will need to complete an online application, providing personal information, travel purpose, and paying a €20 fee. The authorization will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires.

ETIAS does not replace a visa but becomes mandatory for all visa-free travelers entering the EU. It’s an additional layer of migration control aimed at improving security and preventing illegal border crossings.

Although EES primarily targets short-term visitors, it will indirectly affect residence permit holders as well. Border crossing records may be used when extending residence permits, proving continuous residence, or applying for citizenship.
For example, in Italy and Greece, the time spent outside the country directly influences eligibility for residence renewal. Therefore, immigration lawyers recommend keeping travel records — such as tickets and boarding passes — and, when possible, requesting passport stamps even if you hold a residence card.

EES removes the human element entirely. If you overstay even by one day, the system will automatically log the violation. This information will remain in the EU database for up to five years and be accessible to all Schengen consulates and border authorities.

Consequences may include:

• visa refusal for future applications,
• denial of residence permit renewal,
• or delayed processing of immigration documents.

To avoid issues:

• strictly follow the 90/180 rule,
• regularly check your remaining days through official online tools,
• keep tickets, bookings, and medical documents proving valid reasons for any delays,
• do not attempt to “outsmart” the system — it’s now fully automated.

Despite stricter control, EES offers several key advantages:

• Faster border crossings — biometric processing will speed up entry, especially for frequent travelers.
• Fewer human errors — all data will be stored digitally and uniformly across EU borders.
• Enhanced security — the system will detect fake documents, multiple entries with different passports, and illegal stays.

The launch of the EES in October 2025 marks a major shift in EU border and visa policy. Every trip will now be digitally monitored, and any overstay automatically recorded. For travelers, this means greater transparency and security — and for those planning to obtain EU residency or citizenship, it’s a reminder to follow the rules carefully.

If you’re considering legalization in Europe, or applying for a residence permit or citizenship, contact Visa Dan. We’ll help you choose the right strategy, prepare your documents, and guide you through every step legally and accurately.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!