The European Union has begun rolling out a major change in how visitors enter and exit the Schengen zone. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now replacing manual passport stamping for all non-EU travellers — including Indian citizens. This digital process aims to make European borders more secure, efficient, and transparent while helping authorities track travel durations more accurately.

What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a fully digital border control system designed to record biometric and travel information of non-EU visitors entering or leaving the Schengen area. Under this system, Indian travellers will be required to provide:

• Facial scan
• Fingerprints
• Personal information (name, nationality, passport details)
• Entry and exit timestamps

These digital records completely replace the manual passport stamps previously used at Schengen borders.

When Did the EES Start?

The implementation timeline is as follows:

• Started: 12 October 2025 — gradual rollout at select borders
• Fully operational: 10 April 2026 — complete removal of passport stamping

The project is managed by eu-LISA, the EU agency responsible for large-scale IT systems in migration and security.

Does the EES Apply to Indian Citizens?

✔ Yes. The EES applies to all Indian passport holders.

Whether you are travelling on:

• A Schengen tourist visa
• A business visa
• A student visa
• Or visiting family/friends

You must complete EES biometric registration upon arrival. This process also applies to travellers from the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, Gulf countries, and all other non-EU nations.

Which Countries Are Included in the EES?

The EES applies across the entire Schengen area, including:

25 EU Countries (excluding Ireland and Cyprus)

4 Non-EU Countries:

• Iceland
• Norway
• Switzerland
• Liechtenstein

Indian travellers entering any of these countries will be processed under the new EES system.

How Will the EES Work for Indian Travellers?

On arrival in the Schengen zone, travellers will:

• Visit an automated kiosk or immigration counter
• Provide a facial scan and fingerprints
• Submit passport data

The system will then create a digital entry record. When departing, EES will automatically record the exit.

EES also calculates the remaining days allowed under the90/180-day rule, reducing the risk of accidental overstays.

Why Is the EU Introducing This New System?

The EES aims to:

• Detect overstayers more effectively — a common issue for Indian travellers
• Prevent identity fraud and document misuse
• Speed up border processing with automated systems
• Strengthen migration monitoring and security
• Replace manual passport stamps with accurate digital entries

European Commissioner Magnus Brunner stated:“The Entry/Exit System is the digital backbone of our new European migration and asylum framework.”

What Indian Travellers Should Expect at Airports

Once fully operational by April 2026, travellers may experience:

1. Longer queues initially due to first-time biometric registration
2. Faster re-entry on subsequent trips as data is already stored
3. No more passport stamps — everything becomes digital
4. Automated calculation of remaining Schengen stay days
5. Mandatory biometric scanning for all travellers

Important Tips for Indian Travellers

• Ensure your passport is valid and undamaged for smooth biometric capture
• Even if you gave biometrics during your Schengen visa application, you must give biometrics again at the border under EES
• Keep extra buffer time during arrival for the initial transition period

Final Thoughts

For Indian travellers, the EES marks a major shift in how Europe manages border control. While the first-time process may take a few extra minutes, it will ultimately make travel more secure, faster, and more transparent. If you’re planning a Europe trip in 2025 or 2026, understanding the EES system ensures a smooth and stress-free entry into the Schengen zone.