The new Entry/Exit System (EES), introduced by the European Union, has been officially in effect since October 12 across Greece and all Schengen Zone countries, replacing passport stamping with the electronic recording of travelers' entry and exit data.

The new digital system will be implemented gradually by April 9, 2026, and apply to non-EU nationals, including travelers from the UK and the US.

The system will register travelers each time they cross the EU's external borders, replacing passport stamps with fingerprint scans and facial image data.

First-time travelers entering the Schengen Area must present their passport and provide biometric data, including a facial scan and fingerprints. Border officers will verify the information, ask any necessary questions, and digitally record the entry.

Upon departure, traveler data will be cross-checked with the EES database to confirm compliance with the permitted length of stay and to record the exit. On future trips, identification will be completed through facial recognition only, without the need to provide fingerprints again.

Children under 12 will be registered with a photograph only, and there is no charge for using the system. The EES will operate at the external borders of all countries applying the Schengen acquis, as well as those that have completed the evaluation process.

The EES does not apply to EU citizens or to nationals of Cyprus and Ireland. It also excludes third-country nationals holding a residence card and having a family relationship with an EU citizen or with a third-country national enjoying free movement within the EU.

Travelers entering for studies, research, training, volunteering, or intra-corporate transfer are also exempt, as are holders of long-stay visas or residence permits.

The same applies to citizens of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, to persons exempt from border controls or holding local cross-border traffic permits, and to crew members of international passenger or freight trains.

EU Activates Biometric Entry/Exit System Across Schengen on October 12 | GTP Headlines