Estonia Leads Rollout of EU's New Digital Entry/Exit System on October 12, 2025

Estonia Pioneers EU's New Digital Border Control

Estonia will be at the forefront of the European Union's new digital border management initiative, the Entry/Exit System (EES), commencing its full operation across all border points on October 12, 2025. This significant step marks a modernization of how the Schengen area monitors the entry and exit of third-country nationals.

The EES is an automated IT system designed to electronically register travelers from non-EU countries, including both short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt individuals, each time they cross an external border of the Schengen area. This system aims to replace the current method of manual passport stamping, which is often time-consuming and less effective in tracking overstayers.

Key Features and Objectives of the EES

The primary objective of the EES is to enhance the security of the Schengen area and improve the efficiency of border controls. Upon entry, the system will record crucial data, including:

• The traveler's name and type of travel document.
• Biometric data, specifically fingerprints and captured facial images.
• The date and place of entry and exit.
• Any refusals of entry.

This comprehensive data collection is intended to prevent irregular migration, identify individuals who overstay their authorized period, and combat document and identity fraud.

The EES applies to third-country nationals planning a short stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen area. Exemptions include EU citizens, Schengen residents, and holders of long-stay visas or residence permits.

Implementation and Traveler Impact

While the EES officially begins operations on October 12, 2025, its rollout across the 29 participating European countries will be gradual, with full implementation anticipated by April 10, 2026. Estonia, alongside Luxembourg, has confirmed its readiness to operate the system fully from the initial launch date.

Travelers, particularly those making their first entry under the new system, should anticipate potentially longer queues at border crossings due to the initial biometric registration process. However, subsequent crossings are expected to be faster, utilizing automated border control checks and self-service systems. The European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA), headquartered in Tallinn, is responsible for developing and managing the EES.

The EES is also a foundational component for the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, further solidifying the EU's modernized border management strategy.