Attention! Significant changes are coming for those entering EU countries with passports from non-EU countries such as China and the UK.
Starting October 12, 2025, the 29 countries in the EU Schengen Area will begin implementing the new EES (Entry/Exit System), with plans to cover all border crossings by April 2026.
This means the long-standing traditional passport stamping method is about to become history, replaced by a more advanced and efficient digital registration process that combines facial recognition and fingerprint scanning.
What is the EES?
The EES is an automated IT system used to register the time, date, and place of entry and exit for non-EU nationals, as well as their permitted duration of stay in the Schengen Area. This electronic system will replace the practice of stamping passports, managing the entry and exit of citizens from non-EU and non-Schengen countries digitally.
The system will cover the following 29 European countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
However, according to current plans, Cyprus and Ireland, which are also EU members, will temporarily postpone the implementation of the EES and will continue to use the existing traditional methods, such as stamping passports upon entry and exit.
Why implement the EES?
Enhancing border security: By accurately tracking who enters and leaves the EU and when, it effectively combats illegal immigration and identity fraud;
Preventing overstays: The system will automatically identify whether the permitted duration of stay has been exceeded;
Improving traveler experience: Automated border checks will significantly save queuing time, making travel smoother;
Information transparency: Border management will become more efficient and evidence-based.
With the gradual implementation of the EES, EU entry and exit management will fully enter the digital era. In the future, both the security and efficiency of EU borders will be significantly improved, and the traveler experience will be smoother. For those who frequently travel to Europe or have long-term residency or investment plans, understanding the new regulations and planning ahead is particularly important.
At the same time, Europe remains a focus for high-net-worth families globally, thanks to its stable social environment, high-quality education and healthcare systems, and vast business opportunities.
Among them, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta, and Greece have become ideal choices for planning European residency and expanding international footprints due to their flexible investment immigration policies, livable environments, and the advantage of status that allows travel within the Schengen Area.
As one of the Top 500 Asian Brands, WorldWay has focused on investment immigration for over 20 years. As an active promoter of European investment immigration projects, we are your best choice for handling European immigration.
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