The European Union will gradually launch its new EES digital border management system, which will replace the physical stamping of passports at passport control. It is expected to be rolled out over a phased six-month period, starting from October 2025. Subsequently, the much anticipated European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to become operational in the last quarter of 2026.
The Entry/Exit System
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new border management system that will digitally register the data of non-European Union citizens each time they enter or exit external Schengen borders, replacing the physical stamping of passports at passport control. The EES will impact short-term travellers to Europe, collecting and recording data from both visa-required and visa-free nationals, whether travelling for business or tourism. Travellers should be aware that initial border crossings may incur delays as passport control officers will need to take fingerprints and conduct facial scans, which will be digitally recorded.
On 19 May, the European Union Council and Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a Regulation to allow for the phased implementation of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) over a six-month period. The phased rollout is anticipated to begin in October 2025. This gradual rollout is designed to give border authorities and the transport industry sufficient time to adapt to the new procedures. Since the previous EES Regulation required all member states to implement the new system both fully and simultaneously, a new Regulation was required to enable a progressive rollout.
During the phased rollout, member states will be able to choose whether to implement the system fully from day one or gradually over a six-month period. In exceptional circumstances, they may also fully or partially suspend EES operations at certain border crossings, such as during periods of heavy traffic leading to long wait times. At the end of the progressive implementation, member states will still be able to suspend operations at specific border crossings for up to six hours in exceptional cases.
Progressive implementation
The expected timeline for the progressive implementation of the EES is as follows:
The agreement reached on 19 May is provisional and will need to be confirmed by European Union member states in the Council and by the European Parliament before it can be formally adopted. Once the Regulation for the gradual implementation of the EES is adopted and member states are ready, the European Commission will set the specific start date for its phased rollout. Business travellers should anticipate additional time at borders to accommodate new procedures and potential delays, and continue to monitor their Schengen allowance days—requesting a passport stamp if these are not automatically issued at particular border crossings. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to become operational in the last quarter of 2026, with further details on its start date provided prior to its launch. The final go-live date will depend on the successful implementation of the EES.
Vialto Partners can assist in preparing business travellers and Business Travel Programmes for these upcoming developments. You can review our comprehensive FAQs on the related ETIAS here. For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Lindsey Barras
Partner
Hugo Vijge
Director
Áine Hickey
Manager
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