Brussels: The European Union has officially launched its Entry/Exit System (EES) on 12 October, marking the start of automated border controls for non-EU travellers, including Indian citizens, entering the Schengen Area. The system replaces traditional manual passport stamping with biometric registration, aiming to monitor short-term visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the 29 Schengen countries, including France, Germany, and Italy. Full implementation of the system is scheduled for April 2026.
Under the EES, first-time entrants provide fingerprints, facial images, and passport details at border kiosks, which are stored for three years to track entries and potential overstays. Returning travellers can use their previously registered biometrics, significantly speeding up subsequent entries. EU citizens and non-Schengen countries, such as Ireland, are exempt from the system.
The initiative is mandated by EU Regulation 2017/2226 and is managed by eu-LISA, which maintains a centralised database that is cross-referenced with Interpol and other Schengen security systems. The system strengthens border security and enforces the 90/180-day rule for visa-exempt travellers, including Indians visiting the region.
The rollout has begun in phases at select border points, with an estimated 10% of border crossings adopting biometric checks by December 2025. Early reports from Croatia and Switzerland indicate smooth operations, though busy hubs like Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport are expected to face longer queues. Airlines, including Qatar Airways, are advising travellers to allow extra time for entry procedures. Sweden’s Arlanda Airport is trialing a pre-registration app to further streamline the process.
From 2026, non-EU travellers, including Indians, will also need an ETIAS online authorisation costing €7 to enter the Schengen Area. Travellers are required to hold e-passports and are encouraged to monitor their stays via the official EU app to avoid penalties. EU authorities assure that all biometric data will be protected under strict GDPR guidelines, balancing enhanced security with data privacy protections.
The EES is part of the EU’s broader effort to modernise border management, ensure compliance with entry regulations, and strengthen the region’s security while facilitating efficient movement for legitimate travellers.