Official Launch Information
Launch Date Confirmed
October 12, 2025 - The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin operations at all external EU borders.
- 00:01 CET - EES becomes mandatory for all third-country nationals
- All 27 EU countries + 4 Schengen countries (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein)
- All border crossing points - airports, seaports, land borders
First-Time Registration
Expect 5-10 minutes additional time at borders for initial biometric registration.
Return Visits
Subsequent entries take less than 1 minute with automated biometric verification.
Who Needs EES
All non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area, including UK, US, Canadian, and Australian citizens.
Phased Rollout Timeline
Week 1: October 12-18, 2025
Launch Week - Universal Implementation
- All major international airports activate EES systems simultaneously
- Expect longer queues (30-45 min) as travelers complete first-time registration
- Border staff on-site to assist with registration process
- Travel Tip: Arrive 3+ hours early for international flights
Month 1: October-November 2025
Stabilization Period
- Border crossing times normalize as more travelers complete initial registration
- Self-service kiosks become primary registration method
- Land borders and smaller airports optimize processes
Month 3+: January 2026 Onward
Full Operation
- Majority of frequent travelers already registered
- Border crossings return to pre-EES efficiency levels
- Automated gates process EES travelers in seconds
Country Readiness Status
All 31 participating countries have confirmed readiness for the October 12, 2025 launch. Below is the implementation status by region:
Western Europe
Southern Europe
Nordic Countries
Eastern Europe & Baltic
All Countries Confirmed for October 12, 2025
The European Commission has confirmed that all 27 EU member states and 4 Schengen-associated countries (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein) have completed EES infrastructure testing and staff training. Universal launch on October 12, 2025 is confirmed.
Major Airport Implementation
High-traffic airports have installed dedicated EES registration areas with multiple self-service kiosks and staffed assistance desks:
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
120 self-service kiosks + 40 staffed registration desks across all terminals
Launch Week Estimate: 30-40 min additional wait time for first-time EES registration
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
90 automated gates with biometric verification + 25 registration desks
Launch Week Estimate: 25-35 min additional wait time for first-time registration
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
110 EES kiosks + automated passport control integration
Launch Week Estimate: 30-40 min additional wait time
Madrid Barajas (MAD)
85 registration kiosks + multilingual staff assistance
Launch Week Estimate: 25-35 min additional wait time
Rome Fiumicino (FCO)
75 self-service terminals + dedicated EES registration area
Launch Week Estimate: 30-45 min additional wait time
Barcelona El Prat (BCN)
70 kiosks + fast-track lanes for already-registered travelers
Launch Week Estimate: 25-35 min additional wait time
Launch Week Travel Advisory
During the first 1-2 weeks after launch (October 12-25, 2025), expect significant delays at all EU entry points as millions of travelers complete first-time EES registration. Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights.
What to Expect on Launch Day
Before You Travel
- Check your passport validity (must be valid for 6+ months beyond travel dates)
- Prepare proof of accommodation and return ticket
- Arrive at airport/border 3+ hours early during launch week
- Read our EES Requirements Guide
At the Border
- Follow signs for "EES Registration" or "Non-EU Nationals"
- Use self-service kiosks if comfortable with technology (faster)
- Request assistance from border staff if needed (no penalty for help)
- Complete biometric scan: fingerprints (4 fingers) + facial photo
- Answer basic travel questions (purpose, duration, accommodation)
After Registration
- You're registered in the EES system for 3 years
- Future entries take less than 1 minute with automated verification
- Your entry/exit dates are automatically tracked for Schengen 90/180 rule
- No paperwork or stamps needed - all digital
Launch Date FAQs
Can I travel to the EU before October 12, 2025 without EES registration?
Yes. If you enter the Schengen Area before October 12, 2025, the EES system is not yet mandatory. However, if your trip extends past the launch date, you will need to register when you exit or during your next entry.
What happens if I'm already in the EU on October 12, 2025?
You'll complete your EES registration when you exit the Schengen Area. There's no need to register while you're already inside the EU. Your first interaction with the EES system will be at your exit border crossing.
Will airports be prepared for the expected delays on launch day?
Yes. Major EU airports have installed hundreds of self-service kiosks and dedicated EES registration areas. Additional border staff will be on duty during the first weeks. However, initial delays are inevitable as millions of travelers complete first-time registration. Plan for 30-45 minutes additional time during launch week.
Can I pre-register for EES before October 12, 2025?
No. EES registration must be completed at the border with biometric verification equipment. There is no pre-registration or online enrollment option. You must register in person at an EU entry point on or after October 12, 2025.
Will cruise ships and ferry terminals have EES registration on launch day?
Yes. All external EU border crossing points must implement EES on October 12, 2025, including seaports. Cruise terminals and ferry operators have installed mobile EES units or dedicated registration areas. Expect additional boarding time for first-time registration.
What if I have connecting flights through multiple EU countries on launch day?
You only register once at your first EU entry point. If you fly from New York → Paris → Barcelona on October 12, you complete EES registration in Paris. Your flight to Barcelona is within the Schengen Area and doesn't require additional EES checks.