Consequences of the new EES (EU Entry/Exit System)
Published at: 23/10/2025 09:21 am
Since October 2025, all non-EU citizens must pass the EU’s EES system, except for residents of the Schengen zone. Together with the additional upcoming ETIAS registration, travelling to the European Union became more time-consuming and complex.
The EES (EU Entry/Exit System) is a traveller registration process. There are two ways to register.
You can arrive in Europe and pre-register through the “Travel to Europe Mobile Application” or register yourself upon arrival in the Schengen zone at the border kiosks.
Both methods include scanning the passport, taking a photo, and registering the fingerprints. After the successful process, you can track your entry and exit data, rather than relying on traditional physical passport stamps.
Who needs to register in the EES?
Most of the non-EU citizens or residents must register if they wish to enter the Schengen Area for a short stay. Short stay is a maximum of 90 days within six months.
Moreover, even visa-exempt travellers (including the US, UK, Canada, etc) also must pre-register. Children have to pass the EES as well, because their passport only contains a facial scan, but not fingerprints.
Not only did Europe launch pre-registration for travellers. The US has the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), the UK launched the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Australia is considering implementing a similar system.
The bad news is that in 2026, the European Union will launch the ETIAS European Travel Information and Authorisation System. And it is an additional different pre-registration requirement before arriving in the EU. The freedom of travel and the possibility to travel fast are vanishing, it is better to prepare and guarantee barrier-free travel.
How can you avoid the EES?
Non-EU citizens who are residents of the European Union are exempt from the EES processes. If you wish to travel without obstacles, the best solution is to become a resident. If you wish to do business or live in the European Union, you must become a resident; the travel pre-registration is only the newest additional condition. Usually, the non-EU citizens come to work or study and obtain a temporary and later a permanent residency permit in Europe.
However, there are three ways to fasten up the process and receive a permit which allows you to become a long-term resident:
- International protection
- Family reunification
- Residency by investment programs.
Discus Holdings Ltd is one of the most experienced investor immigration expert service providers in Europe. We have been supporting applicants for almost three decades. If you wish to travel free by becoming a European resident, ask for a consultation here!