The Entry/Exit System (EES) regulation enters into force in mid-July 2025, with operations beginning in October 2025. The rollout includes phased compliance targets and an extended suspension mechanism for biometric data registration. ETIAS implementation remains on schedule for late 2026.
Since our last communication below, further developments have taken place regarding the implementation of the EES. While the general timeline remains unchanged, several amendments have been introduced that carry operational significance for both Member States and carriers.
The regulation establishing the progressive start of EES is expected to enter into force officially in mid-July, with EES operations scheduled to begin in October. At present, no final consolidated text is available. The revised framework continues to prioritise operational flexibility and aims to mitigate disruption during the initial months of the rollout.
A key update is the slowing down of the progressive start, with the introduction of an additional phase before full implementation. The updated timeline is as follows:
- Early June – Remaining Member States declarations of readiness (3)
- Mid-July – Progressive start of EES enters into force
- October 2025 – System enters into operation
- Day 30 – At least 10% of border crossings registered in EES (relaxed from original Day 1)
- Day 90 – At least 35% of border crossings registered (relaxed from original 50%)
- Day 150 – At least 50% of border crossings registered (new phase)
- Day 180 – Full compliance expected (100% of border crossings recorded in EES)
- Day 360 – End of passport stamping for air carriers
Another update is the introduction of a 60-day extension of the suspension mechanism. Initially foreseen for 90 days, the suspension period may now be extended by up to 60 days if fewer than 80% of entries include biometric data. It is important to note that the suspension only applies to the registration of biometric information, not the functioning of EES as a whole, and that it will have a maximum duration of 6h. Member States are required to inform stakeholders of the suspension’s activation, and to promptly communicate when it is lifted.
Additionally, Member States must complete their national roll-out plans at least one month prior to the October launch and communicate them to infrastructure operators. While the legal obligation to notify applies only to infrastructure operators (airports), Member States may opt to extend communication to air carriers at their discretion.
Carrier obligations remain consistent with previous guidance. While there is no requirement to query the EES interface at the outset, voluntary access will be permitted from Day 90, and mandatory use will begin on Day 180. Liability provisions remain unchanged. Carriers will also be required to query for crew members who do not hold a Crew Member Certificate (CMC), using the carrier interface via mobile or web platforms.
The Commission is also expected to begin work on a targeted information campaign to support the system’s launch and promote traveller preparedness.
The ETIAS go-live timeline remains unchanged, with implementation still expected in Q4 2026, followed by a 6-month transitional period and a 6-month grace period for first-time travellers.
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The European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee (LIBE) has approved a phased approach to implement the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES). Designed to enhance external border security and replace passport stamping with biometric checks, the proposal foresees the system being introduced gradually from October 2025 (exact date to be confirmed).
The EES is part of the EU’s broader digitalisation of border management. It will apply to third-country nationals crossing external Schengen borders for short stays, replacing manual passport stamps with electronic records and biometric data. Though legislation was adopted in 2017, delays have persisted due to technical and readiness issues across Member States, with the previous launch date planned for the end of 2024.
To address these concerns, the European Parliament has now backed a 180-day progressive rollout, allowing states to introduce the system in phases rather than a single-day switch.
The planned rollout avoids the busiest travel seasons, with neither the start nor the completion of the implementation scheduled during the peak months of June to August or December to February.
During a call with eu-LISA held on 28 April, air carriers were advised of the following revised provisional timeline:
- End of May 2025 – Finalisation of European Parliament and European Council discussions.
- Early June – Remaining Member State declarations of readiness
- Mid-July – EC decision on formal launch; regulation on ‘progressive start’ adopted
- October 2025 – System enters into operation
- Day 30 – At least 10 per cent of border crossings registered in EES (relaxed from original Day 1)
- Day 90 – At least 35 per cent of border crossings registered (relaxed from original 50 per cent)
- Day 180 – Full compliance expected (100 per cent of border crossings recorded in EES)
- Day 360 – End of passport stamping for air carriers
Additional considerations
- Peak travel periods (June–August, December–February) will be avoided at the start and end of the rollout to minimise disruption.
- Fallback procedures must be in place to handle system failures or excessive delays.
- Member States may choose between a full or gradual implementation based on their readiness.
- Carrier systems will transition in parallel, with voluntary queries of the EES interface from Day 90 and mandatory use from Day 180.
Bearing in mind the proposed timeline, the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is currently planned for Q4 2026. with a 6-month transitional period followed by a 6-month grace period for first-time travellers.