Travel to Europe – EU’s New Entry/Exit System for Non-EU Nationals, Including Australians

Travel to Europe - EU's New Entry/Exit System for Non-EU Nationals, Including Australians

A new digital border management system - the Entry/Exit System - is being introduced to make travelling to Europe easier and more efficient.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) will gradually enter in operation as of 12 October 2025. It is an advanced technological system that will digitally record entry and exit of non-EU nationals travelling to 29 European countries of the Schengen area: 25 EU Member States as well as Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland and Switzerland.

Non-EU travellers from Australia travelling to the EU will first encounter the new system when entering the Schengen area, which could take place at an EU / Schengen port or airport.

The EES will provide simplified and automated border procedures, which, when fully operational, will reduce the time needed to cross the EU border. It will gradually replace passport stamping. The new system respects the highest standards for data and privacy protection, ensuring that travellers' personal data remain protected and secure. The EES will modernise and improve the management of EU external borders. It will provide reliable data on border crossings, systematically detect travellers who over-stay and capture document and identity fraud. The EES will contribute to preventing irregular migration and protecting the security of the European Union.

From 12 October onwards, Member States will start introducing the EES gradually over a period of six months. Border authorities will progressively register the data of third country nationals crossing the borders. At the end of this six-month period, the EES will be fully deployed at all border crossing points.

You will find more information on the official Travel to Europe website.