New Schengen entry/exit system: What UAE travellers need to know about Europe’s biometric borders
Biometric checks to replace stamps for non-EU travellers
DUBAI – From tomorrow (October 12, 2025), a major shift in European border control begins.
The European Union is launching its new Entry/Exit System (EES), replacing the traditional passport stamping process with automated biometric checks for non-EU nationals. For UAE travellers – many of whom enjoy visa-free short stays in Schengen countries – this signals a change in how you’ll cross European borders.
Biometric checks to replace stamps for non-EU travellers
Under the EES, when a non-EU national (including UAE passport holders) enters the Schengen Area, immigration staff will capture your facial image and scan fingerprints, along with recording passport data and the time and location of entry. That replaces the manual stamping you’ve been accustomed to at external Schengen borders. Once collected, that biometric record is used on subsequent entries and exits, unless your record needs updating.
The system is designed to automate enforcement of the Schengen rule: a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period for short-term visitors. The EES will tie your biometric data to dates and border points, so overstays can be more easily flagged.
Your data held for three years under EU rules
Biometric and travel data collected via the EES will generally be stored for three years. If a traveller’s exit is never recorded, that period may extend (up to five years). The EU emphasises the system is designed in compliance with data protection safeguards and rights under EU law.
A traveller will not need to re-submit biometric data at every border crossing – only when there is a change, error, or new record is required.
What UAE governments and airlines advise passengers
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has issued advisories to its citizens, alerting them to allow extra time at border control, especially during their first arrival under EES. It also reminds that holders of diplomatic passports are exempt from the system.
UAE Traveler, starting 12 October 2025, European Union countries will implement the new Entry/Exit System (EES). The system requires travelers to register their passport details and biometric data (photo and fingerprints) upon their first entry at an EU border crossing.… pic.twitter.com/q266mYdzjS
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) October 10, 2025
Major UAE carriers such as Emirates and Air Arabia have issued statements encouraging travellers to be aware of the new procedure, to arrive earlier at immigration, and to ensure passports are biometric where possible.
If a UAE traveller already holds a Schengen visa (for those who require one), their biometric data (fingerprints and photo) may already be stored from the visa application process – this may expedite border checks under EES.
Rollout schedule, exemptions and scope
The EES will be introduced gradually across Schengen external borders, with full deployment expected by April 10, 2026. For some months, traditional stamping may still occur in certain border crossings during transition.
Not all travellers must use EES. EU citizens, residents, and holders of long-stay visas or residence permits are exempt. Children under 12 years old must provide a facial image but not fingerprints.
The system covers non-EU nationals visiting for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day span). Two EU member states – Cyprus and Ireland – are not participating in EES.
All external border points – airports, seaports, land crossings, train terminals – will eventually adopt EES.
During early rollout, some large border hubs will lead the adoption. For instance, the UK-France crossings (Eurotunnel, Port of Dover, Eurostar terminals) have prepared new kiosks, and physical passport stamps may still persist temporarily in parts of the UK to France corridor.
Eurotunnel’s management has said the added time per passenger may amount to only a few additional minutes, though travel volumes and site readiness will influence actual delays.
How to prepare your trip under EES
- Check your passport: Ensure it is a biometric (e-passport) if possible, to smooth kiosk processing.
- Allow extra time at immigration during the first border crossing after October 12, 2025.
- Know your visa status: If you needed a Schengen visa, the biometric data may already be on file.
- Keep travel days under 90/180 days to avoid violations.
- Monitor travel advisories from UAE and European authorities for updates during the rollout.
- Familiarise yourself with airports or border stations you will use – some may be early adopters of EES.