The EU is introducing the EES (Entry/Exit System): new rules for entering and leaving Europe in 2025

The European Parliament has finally approved the gradual introduction of the EES control system at the EU's external borders. Find out how border crossings will change for Ukrainians and when the new rules will come into force

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On Tuesday, July 7, the European Parliament finally approved the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will gradually replace the usual stamping of passports for third-country nationals, including Ukrainians who travel visa-free or on short-term visas.

What is the EES system and why is it being introduced?

EES is a centralized database that allows the registration and storage of information on all crossings of the external borders of the Schengen area. For the first time in EU history, travelers' biometric data will be stored centrally. This includes:

● a photograph of the face,

● fingerprints,

● name and type of travel document,

● time and place of entry into or exit from the EU.

The aim is to improve security, monitor compliance with residence rules, and simplify border control procedures. The new approach should reduce the number of violations of residence periods and allow countries to exchange data in real time.

How will crossing the EU border change for Ukrainians?

Once the EES is fully operational, physical stamps will no longer be placed in passports. All records will be automatically stored in a database. This will apply to third-country nationals, i.e. Ukrainians traveling to the EU without a visa or on a short-stay visa (up to 90 days within 180 days).

The collection of biometric data will be mandatory for everyone, both when entering and leaving the Schengen area. For Ukrainian tourists, this means that the border process will become digital and more controlled. This is especially important for those who often travel by car, as the system will record the time of stay and automatically detect violations.

Reminder: Those planning to travel abroad by car should obtain a Green Card for their vehicle in advance, as this is a mandatory requirement for entry into the EU. This can be done online on the Visit Ukraine website — quickly, conveniently, and without any hassle.

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Gradual rollout of the EES (Entry/Exit System): how will it work?

The system will not be launched simultaneously in all EU countries. The approved mechanism provides for the gradual rollout of the EES over 180 days from the date of launch. This approach will avoid overloading border systems and technical failures.

The plan provides for:

● by the 30th day: 10% of all crossings must be registered in the EES;

● by the 90th day: 35%;

● by the 170th day: 100% of crossings.

Interestingly, EU member states may voluntarily choose to launch the system earlier than the deadline set for them. If technical difficulties or significant delays arise during the rollout, the launch of the EES may be temporarily suspended.

When will the new EU entry rules come into force?

On July 30, the European Commission announced that the Entry/Exit System (EES) will gradually become operational from October 12, 2025. It will be implemented in EU countries and associated Schengen countries over a period of six months.

The EES will record information on third-country nationals crossing the border in electronic format. Once the transition period is complete, the system will be fully implemented at all border crossing points.

How to prepare for changes in EU entry rules?

Ukrainian citizens should familiarize themselves with the new requirements in advance to avoid misunderstandings at the border. If you are planning a short trip, be sure to have the following with you:

● a biometric passport (or a regular passport + visa);

● travel insurance (mandatory for many Schengen countries);

● proof of the purpose of your trip (hotel reservation, return tickets, etc.) and financial means.

For answers to the questions “How long should a passport be valid for travel abroad?” and “How much money do I need to enter EU countries?”, see our previous articles.

To save time searching for individual services, use the Visit Ukraine portal — here you can order insurance, apply for a Green Card, consult a migration lawyer, or find out about the current rules for entering the EU in just one click.

We remind you! Every day, dozens of Ukrainians of different genders and ages travel abroad. Read the current border crossing rules for 2025 and plan your trip in advance.

Photo: Unsplash

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