After a string of setbacks and tech troubles, the European Union is finally gearing up to roll out its long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) — a sweeping upgrade to how the bloc monitors border crossings.
Though the digital overhaul was originally slated for launch in late 2023, EU officials now expect it to go live in October 2025, with the Port of Dover eyeing a tentative start date of November 1.
The EES is poised to shake up how millions of non-EU travelers move through Europe’s borders. Instead of the familiar passport stamps, travelers will be logged into a centralized system that collects their fingerprints, photos, and passport data. The biometric approach aims to streamline border security and improve tracking of who’s entering and leaving the Schengen Area.
“The idea is to modernize and tighten border controls while cutting down on paperwork,” said a European Commission spokesperson, noting that the launch window is penciled in for October, though nothing’s set in stone.
Still, not everyone’s cheering. Critics worry the switch could cause bottlenecks at already-busy checkpoints and question whether the new tech will do much to stem the tide of illegal migration. Some fear the system could create longer queues rather than quicker processing — especially if it hits more technical snags.
With just over a year to go before the expected debut, EU leaders are pushing to ensure the system is ready to deliver on its promises: faster, safer, and smarter borders. Whether that vision becomes a reality remains to be seen.
