It’s official: a new EU Entry/Exit System (EES)!

The European Union has finally approved the launch date of the EES (Entry/Exit System) - a digital border control system for citizens of third countries (including Ukraine).

Full implementation will last until April 9, 2026 (180 days).

The EU will officially begin implementing the new EES entry/exit system on October 12, 2025, with a subsequent phased rollout over 180 days, meaning that by April 9, 2026, the system will become fully functional at the external borders of the Schengen area.



What does this mean?
- Entry into the EU will be recorded without stamps in the passport (as long as stamps in the passport remain until April 2026);
- Data will be stored electronically: fingerprints, photo, dates of entry/exit;
- Control will become faster and more accurate;

Who exactly does this apply to:
- Citizens of Ukraine (and other non-EU/Schengen countries);
- Even those who have a biometric passport and enter without a visa (90 days within 180 days);
- Holders of short-term visas (type C);
- Does not apply to those who have a residence permit/permanent residence in EU countries - they undergo separate checks.


Consultation on any issues



What data will be collected:
- 4 fingerprints;
- Digital facial photo;
- Date, time and place of entry/exit;
- Refusal of entry (if any);
- Document type, citizenship, gender.

What travelers should prepare for:
Tips:
- Arrive at the border early - due to possible queues during the transition period;
- Some airports may introduce self-service kiosks;
- If traveling by car - check how the control at land borders works;
- If you refuse to give biometrics - entry will be denied.

The system does not apply to EU citizens. It will only affect those entering Schengen without a visa or with a short-stay visa.

ETIAS, the advance travel authorization system, will also be launched soon..

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. It will be a paid registration (€7) before traveling to the EU — as an electronic entry permit, similar to the American ESTA.

Planning to travel to the EU after October 2025? — Stay tuned to stay up to date with the changes! 


Consultation on any issues

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