New EU entry rules from 12 October 2025

From 12 October 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will come into effect in the EU—a digital registration system for the entry and exit of citizens of countries outside the EU and Schengen.

Germany will introduce this EES system in stages.
It will begin implementation at Düsseldorf Airport, later at Frankfurt Airport, and then at other airports and seaports.

This system entails:
➖ no stamps in passports; everything is handled through an electronic system
➖ on the first entry into the Schengen Area, fingerprints will have to be provided and a photo taken
➖ the system will automatically calculate the number of days spent in Schengen and identify violators
➖ refusing biometric data collection = ban on entry to the EU

The official EES website is here.

EU countries are expected to complete the transition to EES by spring 2026.