EU Entry Exit System: Europe’s New Biometric Border Control Explained

If you travel to Europe, or are planning to travel to Europe, you’ve probably heard about the new EES (Entry Exit System) that has just started operating across European airports and borders. It’s one of the biggest changes to how people enter and leave the European Union. EES officially went live on 12th of October 2025.

Let’s break down what it means, how it works, and why both travellers and cybersecurity experts are watching it closely.

What is the EU Entry Exit System (EES)?

The EES (Entry Exit System) is a new EU border control system designed to record the movements of non-EU travellers entering or leaving the Schengen Area which is basically most EU countries plus Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland.

Instead of border officers stamping your passport, the system now logs your entry and exit digitally using biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images.

In short:

The EES is a biometric entry exit tracking system for visitors to the EU.

How Does EES Work?

Here’s how the EES system EU process works in practice:

1. When you arrive at an EU border (airport, ferry terminal, or land checkpoint), you’ll use an automated kiosk.

2. The system scans your passport, face, and sometimes fingerprints.

3. Your information is saved in a secure EU database.

4. When you leave, the system automatically records your exit.

This replaces manual passport stamping with a fully digital process that’s already being rolled out at airports across Europe.

Full Deployment of the European Union's Exit Entry System (EES)

The Entry Exit System officially started on the 12th of October 2025, with full deployment expected across all European borders by April 2026.

What Data Is Collected?

The EES border control system collects several types of personal and biometric data:

• Full name, nationality, date of birth

• Passport number and document details

• Facial image (taken at the border)

• Fingerprints (usually four fingers for non-EU travellers)

• Entry and exit details (date, time, and border location)

This information is stored securely in a central EU database for up to three years, unless extended for visa or security reasons.

The Positive Side: Why the EES is a Good Thing

1. Faster Border Processing:

   Automated kiosk and biometric checks can make travel smoother and reduce waiting times over time.

   
   

2. Accurate Visa Tracking:

   The EES enforces the 90 days stay rule automatically, helping both travellers and authorities track visa durations correctly.

   
   

3. Stronger Border Security:

   Using biometric verification reduces fraud and helps detect identity theft or illegal crossings.

   
   

4. No More Passport Stamps:

   Digital entry records mean fewer manual errors and more consistent data across countries.

What Are the Concerns for the New Entry Exit System?

1. Privacy and Data Protection: 

   The EES holds millions of biometric records including faces, fingerprints, and travel data. If compromised, the privacy risks are serious.

   
   

2. Potential Technical Glitches:

   Like any new system, error or delays might occur, especially in the early days of implementation.

   
   

3. Longer Queues at First:

   As staff and travellers adjust to the new system, initial processing may take longer.

4. Cybersecurity Risks:

   Because the EES is centralized and connected across many countries, it’s a prime target for cyberattacks. Protecting it will require continuous monitoring and strong encryption.

5. Complex Oversign Across Borders:

   Managing consistent cybersecurity standards and data access policies across multiple EU nations is a big challenge.

What’s the new EES mean from a cybersecurity perspective?

From a cybersecurity perspective, the EES system EU represents a huge step in digital border control - but also a major test of data security. The system will need strong encryption, strict access controls, and independent audits to prevent misuse or breaches. 

For cybersecurity companies, this rollout offers both opportunity and responsibility from testing biometric systems to strengthening data protection frameworks at national and EU levels.

Final Thoughts on Entry Exit System:

The EU Entry Exit System has officially begun a new era of biometric border management. It promises faster travel and stronger security but also raises valid concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity, and public trust.

The system’s success will depend on how effectively it safeguards the biometric data of millions of travellers, resists cyber threats, and maintains public trust. Whilst the EES promises faster travel and smarter border control, it also highlights the growing responsibility of governments and technology providers to build secure, transparent, and resilient systems from the ground up.

The coming months will reveal whether Europe’s new biometric entry exit tracking system can set the global standard — not just for efficiency, but for data protection and digital integrity.