Gradual implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

The European parliament has announced that the launch of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will happen gradually in each member state starting from the 12 October 2025.

EES is a digital border control system designed to register the entry and exit of visa-required and visa-exempt third-country nationals traveling to and from the Schengen Area based on the visa rules (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). This newsletter gives a short overview of how this will affect travelers to the EU countries.

Key points about the EES:

Gradual rollout

The purpose of EES is to modernize border control, enhance security at the Schengen Area’s external borders, improve internal security and help calculate the remaining days of legal stay for travelers. The EES will be gradually implemented in all 29 European countries from the 12 October 2025 to the 9 April 2026. During this period, the system will be introduced in phases at various border-crossing points. The process of physical passport stamping will continue during this transition period.

Who is affected?

The EES applies to third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens) traveling for short stays. EU citizens, their family members, and third-country nationals with a residence permit in a Schengen country are generally exempt from EES registration.

When crossing an external Schengen border, third-country nationals will have an individual travel record created or updated in the EES. This record will include:

• Personal information (name, nationality, date of birth)
•  Biometric data (facial image and fingerprints)
•  Entry and exit details
•  Any refusal of entry, if applicable.

If a third-country national obtains a residence permit in Denmark or another Schengen country, their EES travel record will be deleted by the relevant authority.

Implementation in Denmark

In Denmark, the EES will be introduced gradually, starting from 12 October 2025. The implementation will begin at Copenhagen Airport (CPH), where travelers may experience longer processing times as the new system is phased in. During this transitional period, physical passport stamping will continue alongside EES registration. 

For travelers entering or leaving Denmark, it is important to arrive at border checkpoints well in time, especially during the initial phase of EES implementation. Authorities recommend being prepared for possible delays as border staff adapt to the new procedures, as processing times may be longer during the initial rollout period.

Faroe Islands and Greenland

The EES will also be implemented at external borders in the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) are permitted, and time spent in the Schengen Area counts towards this limit.

For more information and updates on the EES and its phased implementation, please visit the official EU website EES - EES Homepage.

The official announcement from the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration: Entry/Exit System (EES).

ETIAS, the new travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries, is expected to be launched earliest from last quarter of 2026.

Let us assist you

At KPMG Acor Tax, we have a global immigration practice covering 150+ countries with more than 1,800 immigration experts. We offer a full spectrum of immigration-related services.  

Please contact us if you have any questions or need our assistance.