Emirates Airlines has confirmed on its website that beginning October 12, 2025, the European Union will implement a new Entry/Exit System (EES) at borders within the Schengen Area. This initiative aims to replace manual passport stamping with digital records that include essential travel data and biometric information, such as fingerprints and facial images.
The airline specified that the new system will apply to all travelers who are not citizens of the EU or the Schengen Area, visiting the region for short stays not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period.
Travelers entering for the first time will be required to submit their biometric data alongside their passport information, which will be securely stored in the EES database.
The announcement highlighted that for subsequent trips, there will be no need to repeat the entire process; travelers will simply log in and out digitally. This streamlining is expected to save time and enhance the accuracy of tracking travel movements.
Emirates Airlines emphasized that EU citizens, residents of Schengen countries, and holders of long-term visas or residence permits will not be subject to the new system.
The airline advised its customers to allow extra time for border control procedures, especially for their initial journeys after the system’s launch, in anticipation of longer data verification times.
In closing, Emirates encouraged travelers seeking further information to visit the official European Entry/Exit System webpage.