Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to launch on October 12, 2025, and African airports can learn from its implementation to enhance their own border control processes.
Starting October 12, 2025, the European Union will launch a major upgrade to its border control process: the Entry/Exit System (EES). For African travellers heading to any of the 29 Schengen Area countries, this marks a significant change in how your arrival and departure will be recorded. This new system applies no matter the purpose of visit – it may be Paris for business, Rome for tourism, or Berlin for studies, every traveller needs to know how to navigate the new system smoothly.
The EES is a digital border control system designed to replace the traditional passport stamping method. Instead of manually stamping your passport each time you enter or exit the Schengen Area, your travel will now be recorded electronically. This system applies to non-EU nationals —including African citizens— who are visiting for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Not only does it apply to an African traveller visiting Europe on a short-stay visa (such as a Schengen visa), it also affects visa-exempt travellers from countries like Mauritius or Seychelles. However, if you hold a long-stay visa or residence permit in a Schengen country, you are exempt — but you must carry your documentation to prove it. Also, children under 12 are also partially exempt: they will only need to provide a facial image, not fingerprints.
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is a pre-travel screening system for visa-exempt travellers entering the Schengen Area. ETIAS is not a visa, but rather an electronic authorisation that checks security, health, and migration risks before you travel. This applies to citizens of countries that don’t need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone (e.g., Mauritius, Seychelles, USA, UK, etc.). ETIAS applies to short-stay and visa-exempt travellers, with exemptions for long-stay visa holders and partial biometric exemptions for children under 12. It is expected to be fully operational by April 2027. Once approved, ETIAS allows you to travel for short stays (up to 90 days) within any 180-day period across most European countries.
The implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) will require first-time travellers to provide biometric data — specifically, a facial image and four fingerprints. This will be stored securely alongside your passport details and travel history. Then the traveller’s entry and exit dates, location, and duration of stay will be logged electronically. This eliminates the need for manual passport stamps and reduces errors in tracking overstays. Over time, many airports will introduce automated kiosks that allow faster processing for travellers who have already registered. This means future trips will be quicker and more efficient.
The EES is part of the EU’s broader effort to modernise border security and streamline travel. By digitally tracking how long each traveller stays, the system helps enforce the 90-day rule more accurately.
Biometric data reduces the risk of identity fraud and improves internal security. Automated systems will eventually reduce queues and speed up border checks.
Travellers are advised to avoid delays or confusion by being prepared. During this period of initial rollout, border checks may take longer. Arriving at the airport well in advance of your flight will be a better decision. Even if you’ve visited Europe before, bring your passport, visa, and any supporting documents. If you hold a residence permit or long-stay visa, carry it to avoid unnecessary biometric registration. Now a traveller whose passport includes biometric features (like a chip), may benefit from faster processing at automated gates.
During this transition period, one may encounter a mix of old and new procedures. Some border posts may still use manual stamps while others adopt biometric kiosks. Stay informed and follow instructions from border officers. The system begins on October 12, 2025, but will be rolled out gradually across all Schengen borders. Airports will be the first to implement the system, followed by land and sea borders. Full implementation is expected by April 2026.
It is important to remember the rules here. One can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The EES will now track this precisely, so overstaying — even by a day — could lead to penalties or future visa denials.
For African travellers, the Entry/Exit System represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Enhanced biometric screening can prevent security threats. Automated processes can reduce wait times and improve passenger experience. EES can provide valuable data on traveller movements, helping airports optimize operations. By emulating the EES, African airports can modernise their border control processes, enhancing security and efficiency while improving the traveller experience.
