The European Union's (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations on October 12th, 2025. The EES will be deployed gradually across the external borders of the European countries in the Schengen Area over 6 months. The EU has stated that "the European countries will introduce the different components of the EES in phases, including the collection of biometric data, such as facial image and fingerprints. This means that travelers’ biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) might not be collected at every border crossing point right away, and their personal information may not be registered in the system. Passports will continue to be stamped as usual, through the progressive implementation.
This progressive implementation will last until April 9th, 2026. Beginning April 10th, 2026, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points of the European countries.
Additionally, the EU announced that the application fee for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will now cost 20 euros (about $23.20), up from the initially announced 7 euros. ETIAS is expected to be implemented in the last quarter of 2026.
Travelers will be required to complete their own registrations prior to travel. For more information on EES, click here. We will continue to update travelers during this transition. Cain agents are available for support as needed.