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Starting Oct. 12, 2025, the European Union will launch its entry/exit system (EES), replacing traditional passport stamps with digital records.
Non-EU nationals entering or leaving the Schengen Area will have their biometric data collected, including fingerprints and facial images. The rollout will be gradual, spanning six months, and is expected to be fully operational by April 10, 2026.
The EES will apply across 29 countries: the 25 EU Schengen states plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Countries outside the system, such as Ireland and Cyprus, will continue with manual passport stamping.
All third-country nationals, whether visa-holders or visa-exempt, will be required to register biometric data upon their first entry. Children under 12 will only have facial scans taken. The aim is to improve security, prevent overstays, and streamline border management.
As third-country nationals, Turkish passport holders will be required to:
This system aims to replace traditional passport stamping with digital records, enhancing border security and tracking of short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days).
Airports and major border hubs, including ports like Dover and Eurostar terminals such as St. Pancras and Folkestone, are being equipped with kiosks and e-gates for biometric registration.
During the transition, manual passport stamping will remain in use to cross-check traditional entries with the EES data.
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