Digital Entry and Exit System to Replace Passport Stamping Across Europe
By DAYO ADESULU
The European Union has announced that beginning October 12, 2025, all non-EU travelers, including Nigerians, will be required to undergo mandatory fingerprint and facial scans when entering or leaving the bloc.
The new system, known as the Entry and Exit System (EES), is a major component of Europe’s border modernization plan. It will first roll out at select airports and land crossings before becoming fully operational on April 10, 2026, according to a statement from the European Commission.
How the New EES Will Work
The Entry and Exit System is an automated digital platform designed to record the movements of non-EU nationals during short stays across the continent. Each time a traveler crosses the external borders of participating countries—such as France, Spain, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland—the system will automatically log their entry and exit data.
The European Commission said the EES will replace the traditional practice of stamping passports, introducing a secure and efficient way to track travel records digitally. The system will apply to non-EU visitors staying up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Children under the age of 12, however, will be exempt from fingerprinting requirements.
EES to Streamline Border Checks and Reduce Waiting Time
EU officials said the EES will simplify border procedures and improve efficiency for both travelers and border staff. The digital checks will eliminate long queues typically associated with manual passport control, offering self-service kiosks and the option for passengers to submit information in advance.
“With EES, travelers will spend less time at the border thanks to faster checks, self-service options, and the possibility to give their information in advance,” the European Commission stated.
The system is expected to make border management faster, smarter, and more secure, allowing authorities to automatically verify entries, exits, and visa durations.
Data Storage and Privacy Concerns
The European Commission also emphasized that biometric and personal data collected under the new system—such as fingerprints, facial images, and travel details—will be stored securely for up to three years.
Officials clarified that this data will not be shared with third parties, addressing concerns over privacy and surveillance. The Commission said the new approach aligns with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring travelers’ information is handled lawfully and transparently.
Impact on Nigerian Travelers and Other Non-EU Visitors
The rollout of the EES marks a significant tightening of Europe’s border controls, especially for Nigerian travelers and other non-EU nationals.
Under the new framework, anyone who overstays their 90-day limit could face serious consequences, including entry bans, future visa refusals, fines, or even deportation.
Travel experts warn that the automated data tracking will make it almost impossible to overstay unnoticed, as every movement in and out of the Schengen Area will now be digitally recorded.
This development means Nigerian tourists, business visitors, and students must strictly adhere to visa rules to avoid penalties.
A Delayed But Critical Reform
The Entry and Exit System was initially announced in 2023 and scheduled for launch in 2024, but implementation was delayed due to technical integration issues among EU member states.
Now, with the new rollout date confirmed, the EU says it is fully prepared to introduce the system across all Schengen Area countries.
The Commission described the initiative as a “cornerstone of Europe’s smart border management strategy,” designed to combat identity fraud, detect visa overstays, and strengthen security across Europe’s external borders.
A New Era of Travel in Europe
The launch of the EES represents a major shift in how Europe monitors and manages its borders. By phasing out manual passport stamps and introducing automated biometric checks, the EU hopes to achieve a balance between efficient mobility and tightened security.
While the system promises shorter waiting times and enhanced traveler convenience, it also ushers in stricter enforcement measures for those who violate immigration laws.
As Europe moves toward a fully digital border experience, non-EU travelers—especially frequent visitors from Nigeria and other African nations—are urged to familiarize themselves with the new biometric requirements well ahead of October 2025.
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