Here we go. After years of delays the European Union has set the date for the launch of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) - October 12 for Spain and key airports like Mallorca’s Son San Joan in Palma. That said, unless the airport authority gets its finger out and starts resolving the passport control system, the launch could be a total disaster leading to long queues and confusion.
This modern border control setup will swap the familiar passport stamp for an all-digital log that collects fingerprints and facial pictures. And in theory, the EES is designed to make crossing the border easier, boost security, and verify that all visitors stick to the Schengen rules. In the first months after launch, travellers can expect to spend a bit more time at border checks, but the system is expected to speed things up and make those crossings much smoother in the long run.
The Foreign Office has started issuing updates for the countries affected by this change, with several FCDO travel pages already updated. In the most recent statement on the Spain, Greece and Italy pages, among others, it stated: “New Schengen entry requirements. From 12 October 2025, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin. When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to: Have you fingerprints and your photo taken and answer the Schengen Border Code questions.
On day one of the launch, at least 10% of border crossings would have to be registered in the new system, followed by up to 50% by day 90, and 100% by the end of the 180 days. In their amendments to the Commission’s proposal, Committee MEPs underline that member states should be free to decide whether to roll the system out gradually or all at once.
They propose that if EU countries do opt to implement the EES in stages, then they should enjoy more flexibility in reaching certain milestones - namely, 10% of border crossings registered in the system to be achieved by day 30 (instead of day one), and 35% (instead of 50%) by day 90.