Guide to a smooth trip under the new border crossing rules: the European Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operating in October

The European Electronic System (EES) will begin operating on 12 October. Find out all the necessary details to ensure that your first trip using the EES system goes smoothly and without any unnecessary hassle

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According to Shengenvisa, the European Commission has set October 12, 2025, as the date when the European EES system will begin operating at the external borders of the Schengen area. The EES system involves the launch of a single database to replace the traditional manual stamping of passports for short-term visitors from non-EU countries. Here are some tips to make your first trip under the EES system a success.

Planning a trip abroad? Get reliable medical insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Tip #1. Arrive at the border crossing point early

If you are crossing the border after October 12, we recommend arriving at the border crossing points early. At the moment, the number of EES kiosks is still limited, and the number of tourists at large land and sea ports can be quite significant.

Tip #2. Prepare in advance for the EES system

All checkpoints have special signs pointing to the EES kiosks, so follow them. Before taking a photo, remove your headgear and glasses. Your fingers must be clean and dry for fingerprinting.

Important! Children under 12 years of age are photographed at EES kiosks, but their fingerprints are not taken.

If you have any doubts about crossing the border, we recommend that you consult a migration specialist in advance.

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Tip #3. Remember about the usual checks for entry into the Schengen area

Prepare your biometric passport and documents confirming the purpose of your entry into the EU in advance. This can be a travel itinerary, return tickets, or hotel reservations.

Reminder! If you are traveling in your own car, a “Green Card” car insurance policy is mandatory for entry into the EU.

Tip #4. Check the border crossing points before your trip

Currently, the EES system is being tested at the Shehyni and Krakivets border crossing points on the Polish-Ukrainian border, so longer queues can be expected here. The number of EES kiosks at land border crossing points will increase during the winter.

How to check queues at the border – find out here.

Tip #5. Prepare several options for your trip

If your trip falls in the first weeks after October 12, we recommend planning several backup options. After the first wave of tourists, it will become clear where the queues are shorter and it is more convenient to cross the border.

It is also important to take care of your own comfort and safety: before leaving Ukraine, it is recommended to take out insurance for traveling abroad. It will cover medical expenses in case of illness or accident while staying in the EU. This is especially relevant given the new rules and possible delays at the border.

Reminder! The visa-free regime has greatly simplified travel for Ukrainians, but it has limitations, so some Ukrainians need to obtain a visa to travel to the EU. Depending on the purpose of the trip, there are different types of visas, each of which requires a specific set of documents. Which Ukrainians cannot enter Europe without a visa, what types of visas exist, and what documents are required to apply — we explain here.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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