After years of delays and false starts, Europe's long-promised digital border system is set to become reality on 12 October 2025. If you're planning that dream European holiday, there are some important changes coming that will affect how you enter and exit 29 European countries.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) has been in development since 2016, originally slated to launch in 2022. But technical challenges, infrastructure delays, and countries needing more time to prepare have pushed the date back repeatedly.
Now, with major European nations like France, Germany, and the Netherlands finally declaring they're ready, the system is set to begin its gradual rollout.
What exactly is changing?
The EES is an automated IT system that will register travellers from third-countries, including Australians, each time they cross an EU external border.
The system will register your name, type of travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and captured facial images) and the date and place of entry and exit.
For Australian passport holders, this means the end of those familiar passport stamps that have marked European adventures for decades.
Instead, the EES will digitally record your travel information, replacing outdated manual passport stamps.
'The moment is finally here. There may have been times you believed it would never happen. But it is going to happen.'
The system won't launch everywhere at once. It will be implemented over a 6-month period beginning on 12 October 2025 and ending on 10 April 2026. After full implementation on 10 April 2026, passport stamps will no longer be used.
The countries you need to know about
EES applies to these 29 countries
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Not included: Ireland, Cyprus, United Kingdom, and other non-Schengen European countries will continue with traditional passport stamping.
What to expect on your first trip
If you're travelling to Europe after October 12, 2025, here's what the process will look like:
First-time registration: You'll approach automated kiosks or eGates instead of lining up for manual passport checks.
The kiosk reads your biometric passport and pulls up your details. If it's your first time under the EES and you're over 12 years old, you may be asked to scan four fingers.
Photo capture: You'll also have your photo taken at dedicated booths. Children under the age of 12 will not have to give fingerprints.
Future visits: If you've already been registered once, the process is much faster on subsequent trips. Border guards will simply verify your stored biometrics, such as your fingerprints or face photo, rather than capturing them again.
Did you know?
Don't worry about the technology
The system is designed to be user-friendly with self-service kiosks similar to those used at Australian airports. There is no cost for EES registration, and many border points will have self-service kiosks or mobile applications where you can pre-register your data before meeting a border guard. These tools reduce waiting times and make the experience more efficient.
Expect some delays initially
EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.
Travel industry professionals warn that in the early phases it is likely to lead to delays as folk who were not aware of the requirement try to travel.
This is particularly relevant if you're travelling through busy entry points like major airports or popular ferry routes during peak tourist seasons.
Special considerations for UK routes
If you're planning to travel to Europe via the UK, there are specific arrangements:
If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, EES checks will be completed at the border, before you leave the UK.
There will be self-service kiosks in St Pancras station for Eurostar passengers, but passengers will have to get out of their cars to register at the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone.
At the port of Dover, car passengers will be provided tablet devices to register and can remain in their vehicles, but coach passengers will have to disembark and use kiosks.
The ongoing 90-day rule remains crucial
The EES will register all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area. If you overstay the period allowed, the system will identify you and record this information.
This may result in you being detained or removed from the country, a fine or prevent you from returning to the EU in future.
The digital system will make it much easier for authorities to track exactly how long you've been in Europe, removing any ambiguity that might have existed with passport stamps.
Essential tips for hassle-free European travel
- Allow extra time at borders, especially in the first few months after October 12, 2025
- Ensure your Australian passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure
- Keep digital or physical copies of your travel insurance documents
- Remember the 90-day rule applies across all Schengen countries combined
- Be aware of scam websites encouraging you to apply for ETIAS before the system is operational
- No advance registration is required for EES—it happens at the border
What's coming next: ETIAS in 2026
The EES is just the first part of Europe's border modernisation. In 2026, the EU is expected to start operations of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
When ETIAS is introduced, you will need to apply for authorisation to enter Schengen area countries if using a UK passport. You will need to provide personal information and details about your trip, and pay a 20 Euro fee.
However, the ETIAS system is set to launch in 2026, six months after the Entry/Exit System (EES) goes live. Initially, there will be a six-month transition period, during which travellers without an ETIAS won't be denied entry if they meet all other requirements.
Staying safe from scams
Be aware of scams—you cannot apply for ETIAS yet. Only use official government websites and trusted travel agents for information about European travel requirements.
Travel insurance considerations
Consider purchasing travel insurance before you leave Australia. Ensure it covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and any activities like skiing or cruising. Some European countries require proof of health insurance.
With the new digital tracking system, having proper documentation becomes even more important if any issues arise during your travels.
The bigger picture
Europe remains a top travel choice and a bucket list item for Australians, with 34 per cent of Queenslanders—especially those aged 65+ calling it their dream destination.
These changes, while requiring some adjustment, are designed to make European travel more secure and ultimately more efficient.
The EES is designed not only to improve border security but also to make travel smoother. By replacing outdated manual stamping with a digital record of entries and exits, the EES means fewer mistakes and faster procedures at border checks.
What This Means For You
While change can be daunting, especially when it involves new technology, the EES system has been designed with user-friendliness in mind. The key is being prepared and allowing extra time, particularly for your first trip under the new system.
For the most up-to-date information, continue to check the SmartTraveller website before your departure, as the system will continue to evolve during its rollout period.
Are you planning a European adventure in 2025 or 2026? We'd love to hear about your travel plans and any concerns you might have about these new border requirements. Share your thoughts in the comments below—your fellow travellers will appreciate your insights!
Original Article
https://www.news.com.au/travel/trav...t/news-story/15e0a540f913835b7914e9415da67ac9
Entry-Exit System—Migration and Home Affairs—European Commission
Cited text: EES will be an automated IT system for registering travellers from third-countries, both short-stay visa holders and visa exempt travellers, each time...
Excerpt: The EES is an automated IT system that will register travellers from third-countries, including Australians, each time they cross an EU external border.
https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/smart-borders/entry-exit-system_en
EU Entry/Exit System: Everything Travelers Need to Prepare For
Cited text: The EES is designed to streamline border checks by digitally recording your travel information, replacing outdated manual passport stamps.
Excerpt: the EES will digitally record your travel information, replacing outdated manual passport stamps
https://etias.com/articles/eu-entry/exit-system-everything-travelers-need-to-prepare-for
Entry/Exit System—Wikipedia
Cited text: The system, to be operated by eu-LISA, will be implemented over a 6 month period beginning on 12 October 2025 and ending on 10 April 2026. After full ...
Excerpt: It will be implemented over a 6-month period beginning on 12 October 2025 and ending on 10 April 2026.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entry/Exit_System
EES for Australians: Avoid Delays at Europe’s Borders—Cranky Boss
Cited text: Here’s what an Australian traveller can expect when arriving in Europe under the new system: Approach the kiosk or eGate—Instead of lining up for a ...
Excerpt: You'll approach automated kiosks or eGates instead of lining up for manual passport checks.
https://crankyboss.org/blog/travel/ees-for-australians/
What the new entry-exit system means for Brits travelling to Europe
Cited text: Children under the age of 12 will not have to give fingerprints.
Excerpt: Children under the age of 12 will not have to give fingerprints
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/ees-travel-rules-changes-europe-etias-passport-checks-165514554.html
EU Entry/Exit System: Everything Travelers Need to Prepare For
Cited text: If you have already been registered once, the process is much faster on subsequent trips. Border guards will simply verify your stored biometrics, suc...
Excerpt: If you've already been registered once, the process is much faster on subsequent trips.
https://etias.com/articles/eu-entry/exit-system-everything-travelers-need-to-prepare-for
EU Entry/Exit System—GOV.UK
Cited text: You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.
Excerpt: There is no cost for EES registration
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system
EU Entry/Exit System: Everything Travelers Need to Prepare For
Cited text: This involves: ... To make this smoother, many border points will have self-service kiosks or mobile applications where you can pre-register your data...
Excerpt: many border points will have self-service kiosks or mobile applications where you can pre-register your data before meeting a border guard.
https://etias.com/articles/eu-entry/exit-system-everything-travelers-need-to-prepare-for
EU Entry/Exit System—GOV.UK
Cited text: · EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.
Excerpt: EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system
What the new entry-exit system means for Brits travelling to Europe
Cited text: ... Lucy Moreton, professional officer at the ISU, the union for borders, immigration and customs, told Yahoo News UK that should travellers should ex...
Excerpt: Travel industry professionals warn that in the early phases it is likely to lead to delays as folk who were not aware of the requirement try to travel
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/ees-travel-rules-changes-europe-etias-passport-checks-165514554.html
EU Entry/Exit System—GOV.UK
Cited text: If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, EES checks will be completed at the bo...
Excerpt: If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, EES checks will be completed at the border, before you leave the UK
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system
What the new entry-exit system means for Brits travelling to Europe
Cited text: There will be self-service kiosks in St Pancras station for Eurostar passengers, but passengers will have to get out of their cars to register at the ...
Excerpt: There will be self-service kiosks in St Pancras station for Eurostar passengers, but passengers will have to get out of their cars to register at the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone.
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/ees-travel-rules-changes-europe-etias-passport-checks-165514554.html
What the new entry-exit system means for Brits travelling to Europe
Cited text: (PA) At the port of Dover, car passengers will be provided tablet devices to register and can remain in their vehicles, but coach passengers will have...
Excerpt: There will be self-service kiosks in St Pancras station for Eurostar passengers, but passengers will have to get out of their cars to register at the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone.
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/ees-travel-rules-changes-europe-etias-passport-checks-165514554.html
Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area
Cited text: The new digital European Union (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) will start on 12 October 2025 and register all non-EU nationals, including Australians, tr...
Excerpt: The EES will register all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area.
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/be...d-entry-requirements-europe-and-schengen-area
Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area
Cited text: Be aware of scam websites encouraging you to apply for ETIAS before the system is operational.
Excerpt: Be aware of scam websites encouraging you to apply for ETIAS before the system is operational
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/be...d-entry-requirements-europe-and-schengen-area
EU Entry/Exit System—GOV.UK
Cited text: In 2026, the EU is expected to start operations of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
Excerpt: In 2026, the EU is expected to start operations of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system
EU Entry/Exit System—GOV.UK
Cited text: · When ETIAS is introduced, you will need to apply for authorisation to enter Schengen area countries if using a UK passport. You will need to provi...
Excerpt: In 2026, the EU is expected to start operations of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system
ETIAS for Australian Citizens
Cited text: The ETIAS system is set to launch in 2026, six months after the Entry/Exit System (EES) goes live in late 2025. Initially, there will be a six-month t...
Excerpt: the ETIAS system is set to launch in 2026, six months after the Entry/Exit System (EES) goes live.
https://etias.com/etias-requirements/etias-for-australian-citizens
Travelling to Europe? Here’s What Australians Need to Know About New…
Cited text: Be aware of scams—you cannot apply for ETIAS yet.
Excerpt: Be aware of scams—you cannot apply for ETIAS yet
https://www.pht.com.au/blog/travell...ustralians-need-to-know-about-new-entry-rules
Practical travel tips for seniors traveling to Europe | RACQ
Cited text: Consider purchasing travel insurance before you leave Australia. Ensure it covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and any activ...
Excerpt: Consider purchasing travel insurance before you leave Australia. Ensure it covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and any activities like skiing or cruising.
https://www.racq.com.au/articles/travel-tips/travel-tips-for-seniors-traveling-to-europe
Practical travel tips for seniors traveling to Europe | RACQ
Cited text: Europe remains a top travel choice and a bucket list item for Australians, with 34 per cent of Queenslanders—especially those aged 65+ calling it their dream ...
Excerpt: Europe remains a top travel choice and a bucket list item for Australians, with 34 per cent of Queenslanders—especially those aged 65+ calling it their dream destination
https://www.racq.com.au/articles/travel-tips/travel-tips-for-seniors-traveling-to-europe
EU Entry/Exit System: Everything Travelers Need to Prepare For
Cited text: The EES is designed not only to improve border security but also to make travel smoother for you. By replacing outdated manual stamping with a digital...
Excerpt: The EES is designed not only to improve border security but also to make travel smoother.
https://etias.com/articles/eu-entry/exit-system-everything-travelers-need-to-prepare-for
Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area
Cited text: If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
Excerpt: SmartTraveller website
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/be...d-entry-requirements-europe-and-schengen-area
Seniors Discount Club
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