The EU's Entry/Exit System to launch on 12 October 2025.

Recent developments in the EU Entry/Exit System 

On 10 October 2024, the European Commission announced a delay to the EES implementation, with the original launch date “no longer on the table”. EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, made the announcement after a meeting of EU interior ministers.

Following further planning and coordination, the Commission has now confirmed the new start date of 12 October 2025. The EES will be introduced using a phased approach, allowing member states to adapt gradually rather than requiring all border crossing points to go live simultaneously.

Some operational details have also been refined: travellers will be required to provide either a facial scan or a fingerprint, rather than both as previously envisaged.

Reasons for the EU Entry/Exit System delay

Several factors contributed to this postponement of the EU entry exit system:

1. Lack of readiness in national IT systems across multiple member states.
2. Insufficient stability and functionality of the EES central system provided by EU-Lisa.
3. Incomplete live testing of the EU's software on various countries' border computer systems.

Future implementation of the Entry/Exit System

The EES will now be in place from 12 October 2025, with registration of many travellers starting immediately. This timeline is later than originally anticipated and will follow the rollout of the EU’s ETIAS visa waiver scheme, now planned for 2025.

Challenges at the EU’s external borders

The European Union continues to face increasing challenges in managing its borders. The number of people crossing into and out of the Schengen Area is on the rise, leading to longer wait times at border controls. Additionally, the current system struggles to track how long non-EU citizens stay within the area, making it difficult to identify overstayers. These issues not only impact border efficiency but also pose security risks.

Benefits of the EU Entry/Exit System

Once implemented, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is designed to enhance border security and efficiency within the Schengen Area. By digitally recording entry and exit stamps for non-EU citizens, including those from the UK, the EES will help to prevent overstays, combat terrorism, and streamline border checks. This system will also provide valuable data for law enforcement agencies to investigate criminal activities.

How the Entry/Exit System works

The Entry/Exit System (EES) will apply to non-EU citizens, including UK travellers, entering the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. When entering a country using the EES, travellers will have their biometric data (facial image or fingerprint) collected and stored in the system. This information, along with passport details and travel history, will be used for border control and security purposes.

Data security with the EES

The EES data will be accessible to authorities responsible for border control, visa issuance, and law enforcement within EU member states. Europol will also have access to the system for criminal investigations. To protect personal information, strict rules govern data sharing with other countries and international organizations. Importantly, airlines and other carriers can only verify visa information and are not allowed to access personal data stored in the EES.

Potential challenges for the EES

The upcoming implementation of the EES has raised concerns about potential disruptions and delays, particularly for UK travellers. These delays could have a knock-on effect on freight transport, and lead to supply chain disruption in the UK. While preparations are underway, businesses are advised to be prepared for possible disruptions.

Preparations and next steps

With the launch now set for 12 October 2025, the European Commission and member states are intensifying preparations to ensure a smooth rollout. The phased approach should allow border posts to adapt progressively, helping to minimise the impact on travel and trade during the transition period.