The new EES system will change entry rules to Europe for Canadians starting October 2025
Travelers will need to undergo biometric registration when crossing the borders of 29 European countries.
If you're traveling from Canada to Europe, you'll need to go through a new border procedure in a few days. With the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES), tourists will be required to complete a new registration process at the border.
The European Commission has officially set the EES launch date for October 12, 2025. The system will be gradually rolled out at the external borders of 29 European countries over six months, with full deployment by April 10, 2026.
What is the EES system
EES is a new automated information system for registering travelers making short-term trips to Europe. A short-term trip is considered to be up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Registration in the system is mandatory for all travelers from non-European Union countries, regardless of whether they need a visa to enter.
The new border security system is designed to make checks modern and efficient. EES will replace traditional passport stamps with a digital system that automatically records travelers' entry and exit times. This should speed up the border control process and improve staff productivity.
Countries where the EES system applies
EES registration is mandatory for any traveler crossing the external borders of the following 29 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, and Estonia.
It's important to note that Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen Area, so the EES system does not apply when traveling to these countries.
More detailed information about the system can be found on the official website of the European Commission.
Goals of implementing the EES system
The system will simplify the border crossing process by offering faster processing and self-service registration options. It's designed to prevent illegal migration by accurately tracking travelers' entry and exit data using biometric information—fingerprints and facial photographs. This will also help prevent cases of overstaying and identity theft.
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The updated system will allow border and law enforcement agencies to access reliable real-time information to identify potential security threats. The system will also expand the use of automated border control and self-service systems, making travel faster and more comfortable.
How EES registration works
When first entering the Schengen Area after the system launches, travelers will need to complete a full registration process. This includes providing biometric data: fingerprints and a digital facial photograph. To speed up the process, many border points will have self-service kiosks or mobile apps available where you can pre-register your information before meeting with a border officer.
If you've already registered once, the process for subsequent trips will be much faster. Border officers will simply verify your stored biometric data—fingerprints or facial photograph—instead of taking new ones. Travelers with biometric passports will often be able to use self-service systems for verification, making border crossing even more efficient.
Biometric data will be stored in the system for three years, after which it will need to be updated. Children under 12 are exempt from providing fingerprints but will still need to have their facial photograph taken.
Phased implementation of the system
The EES system will be implemented in phases starting October 12, 2025. At launch, at least one border crossing point in each country must use the new system, increasing to 10% of border crossings within the first 60 days. In December 2025, EES-enabled borders will begin conducting biometric checks.
By January 2026, half of the border crossing points should be using the EES system, processing at least one-third of passengers. By March 2026, all borders will be using EES and conducting biometric checks, processing at least half of passengers through the system. Full system launch is scheduled for April 10, 2026, when all borders will process all passengers through EES.
Who is exempt from EES registration
Citizens of European Union member countries and the Schengen Area are not subject to the EES system. Irish passport holders are also exempt from registration. If you hold a British passport but have EU residency, you are also exempt from EES registration.
Special considerations for cruise travelers
Passengers traveling on cruise ships will not undergo EES entry or exit checks for day trips to EU countries that are part of their itinerary. If you fly to a European country to board a cruise ship, you'll go through the EES process at your arrival airport. If your cruise ends in an EU country, your exit information will be recorded during border checks in the country you fly home from.
Preparing for travel to Europe
If you're planning a trip to one of the European countries in the Schengen Area, it's recommended to familiarize yourself with the new EES system requirements in advance. Make sure your passport is valid for your entire trip. Keep in mind that initial registration in the system may take a few extra minutes, so be prepared for possible queues at the border, especially in the first months after the system launches.
The EES system meets the highest data protection and privacy standards, ensuring the protection and security of travelers' personal data. As the launch date approaches, travelers can expect information campaigns and awareness events at border crossing points, including airports throughout Europe, as well as at consulates in third countries.
For current information on visa requirements and entry rules, visit the official portal Travel Europe.
Future changes: the ETIAS system
In addition to the EES system, the European Union plans to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in late 2026. This will be a pre-authorization system similar to the US ESTA or British ETA. When ETIAS is introduced, travelers from Canada will need to apply for authorization before traveling to Schengen Area countries, providing personal information and travel details, as well as paying a €20 fee.
Currently, no action is required from travelers—the specific ETIAS launch date will be announced by the European Union well in advance of the system's launch.
If you have questions about travel documents or need help planning your trip, you can schedule a consultation with an immigration consultant.
