Schengen Countries to Roll Out New Entry/Exit System Starting October 12

Kritika Pandey

Updated On Oct 8, 2025

Schengen Countries to Roll Out New Entry/Exit System Starting October 12

Starting from October 12, Schengen countries will introduce a new Entry/Exit System (EES), planned to enhance border control. This system replaces traditional passport stamping with automated biometric checks. Now, travellers can easily pass through border control with just a scan of their passport and face, eliminating the need to wait in long queues.

How the EES Works

The new EES is quite simple; travellers will have to scan their passport and face at border kiosks, enabling quicker passage and reducing the need to wait for manual stamps. The system uses facial recognition and fingerprint scans to confirm identity and automatically logs entry and exit events.

This digital system will be beneficial for those visiting family, studying abroad, or enjoying a holiday in Europe. It will shorten border queues, remove the worry about keeping track of your allowed Schengen days, and make the entire travel experience much smoother and simpler.

Full Implementation by April 2026

The EES will be available from October 12, 2025, with full rollout expected by April 2026. By then, every airport, seaport, and land border in Europe will use the system. During the transition, both digital and traditional visas will be valid.

Also Read: Indians Can Get a Portuguese Golden Visa & EU Citizenship With INR 2.6 cr Donation

Transition to Digital Schengen Visas

With the implementation of EES, Schengen visas are shifting to a barcode-based digital format. Travellers will receive a digital visa for scanning at immigration, removing the need for physical visa stickers. The phased launch starts October 12, 2025, and will become the full-fledged norm by April 2026.

All travellers should ensure their visa applications are thorough and check eligibility rules, as errors can still occur. Incomplete or multiple rejected applications can impact future chances of approval. For Indian residents applying to Switzerland, only documents listed on the official checklist will be accepted by VFS Global.

Also Read: Germany Permanent Residency Available for Under INR 11,500, Indians Eligible

Start Your European Journey with Confidence

Explore Europe with ease and security thanks to the new Entry/Exit System (EES) and digital visa technology. Whether visiting family, studying, or travelling for leisure, enjoy faster border processing and a smooth travel experience. For expert guidance on Schengen visas, application support, and travel preparation, contact GetGIS today, which could be your gateway to seamless European travel and study opportunities!

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