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From October 12, 2025, Australians and other non-EU travellers will encounter a major change when entering and leaving the Schengen Zone. The European Entry/Exit System (EES) will officially replace the traditional passport stamp with a fully digital border control process.
Under the EES, travellers will have to submit biometric fingerprints and facial photographs during their first entry into the Schengen Area. Customs and migration officers will also conduct more comprehensive security checks. Authorities say the system is designed to strengthen identity verification, deter irregular migration, and make subsequent trips faster through automated kiosks.
What the EES Means for Travellers
The system will be in place across 29 Schengen countries, including EU member states plus Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The first registration will likely take more time than the old passport checks, but once complete, future border crossings should be faster. Biometric data will be stored for three years or until the passport expires.
For Australians — who are among the most frequent Schengen visitors — the change could mean longer waits during the initial rollout. Australia’s Smartraveller platform has already warned of possible delays, advising passengers to arrive early and prepare for biometric registration.
Some countries, such as Belgium, will also run additional verification procedures during the transition, which could affect air, train, bus, and road travel.
Benefits and Future Developments
While the initial phase may cause queues, the EES aims to make repeat travel more efficient. Once operational, it will pave the way for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in April 2026 — a €20 (approx. AUD $36) pre-authorisation requirement for eligible travellers, similar to the US ESTA.
The new system will also help authorities track overstays, detect identity fraud, and improve data on travel trends. This, in turn, is expected to boost security while making border processing smoother for legitimate travellers.
Travel Advice for Australians and Other Non-EU Visitors
• Arrive early to allow for biometric checks.
• Keep your passport valid for the duration of your trip.
• Follow border staff instructions to avoid delays.
• Stay updated on specific country requirements.
• Plan extra time for connections during your first trip under EES.
The EES represents a significant digital shift in European border management — one that blends security with convenience. For travellers who prepare in advance, the new process should mean more predictable and eventually faster entry into Europe.
Source: Smartraveller.gov.au
August 14, 2025
