New Digital Border Control System in the Schengen Area from October 12, 2025 – How Greece Is Affected

As of October 12, 2025, Greece and the other countries of the Schengen Area will enter a new era of border management with the launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES). The introduction of this mechanism marks the definitive abolition of traditional passport stamping and its replacement with the electronic registration of travelers’ data and biometric information.

The system will be implemented gradually across the Schengen zone, with full operation expected by April 10, 2026. The purpose of this initiative is to enhance security and accelerate border checks through the creation of a unified and interconnected database containing the records of all travelers entering or leaving the European territory.

The EES applies to nationals of third countries who travel within the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This category includes travelers to EU member states (excluding Cyprus and Ireland) as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Norway. Under the new procedure, visitors will no longer receive a stamp in their passports; instead, their entry and exit will be automatically recorded in digital form. The system will also register cases of third-country nationals who have been refused entry or a short-term stay.

Upon a traveler’s first entry into the Schengen Area, they will be required to present their travel documents and provide biometric data, such as facial images and fingerprints. Border officers will verify the information, conduct necessary checks, and record the traveler’s entry electronically. Upon departure, the database will be updated to confirm compliance with the permitted length of stay and to record the lawful exit. For subsequent trips, the process will be faster, as only biometric facial verification will be required. Children under twelve years of age will be registered solely through a photograph, without fingerprint collection, and participation in the EES will be free of charge.

The system will operate at all external borders of countries that fully implement the Schengen acquis, as well as at borders of states that, although not yet fully integrated, have successfully completed the evaluation process and gained access to the VIS and SIS information networks.

By replacing manual passport stamps with a comprehensive digital registry, European authorities aim to strengthen the reliability and transparency of border management. The EES will enable more efficient detection of overstayers, help prevent irregular migration, and improve the speed and accuracy of border checks.

Certain categories of travelers will be exempt from the system. These include citizens of EU member states, Ireland, and Cyprus, as well as third-country nationals who hold residence permits and have close family ties with EU citizens. The same applies to persons related to a third-country national enjoying the right of free movement within Europe. The EES will also not apply to those traveling for educational, research, training, or volunteer purposes, participants in exchange or cultural programs, and au pairs. Holders of long-stay visas or residence permits, citizens of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, and the Holy See, as well as persons with diplomatic status or special border-crossing privileges, are also exempt. Finally, local border traffic permit holders and crew members of international trains with intermediate stops will not be subject to the system.

The introduction of the Entry/Exit System represents a major step toward the digitalization of the European Union’s border procedures. The automation of checks, faster processing, and enhanced security constitute key pillars of a reform that seeks to ensure greater consistency, safety, and transparency in the movement of people to and from the Schengen Area, without additional burden for travelers.