EES Gets Green Light For Phased Border Control Rollout

Charlie Immigration updates News & Events 8 July 2025 | Updated On July 10, 2025 | 0

The European Parliament has officially approved the long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES), paving the way for its launch later this year.

The new high-tech border system, designed to replace passport stamps for non-EU travellers, will be introduced in phases over a six-month period.

The EES has been delayed several times due to technical and logistical setbacks in several EU countries. With the recent vote—572 in favour and 42 against—lawmakers have now given the green light to move forward.

Once launched, the EES will automatically record the entry and exit dates of travellers entering the EU’s Schengen Area, flag overstays, and log refused entries. Biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images will also be collected at border checkpoints.

The European Commission will announce the official start date once the law is formally adopted. After that, member states will have three months to begin using the system at half of all designated border crossings. Full implementation is expected at all checkpoints by the end of the six-month rollout.

The goal is to boost border security, streamline entry procedures, and eventually reduce wait times. However, some officials have warned that initial delays and disruptions are likely during the transition.

Once active, the EES will apply to all non-EU nationals travelling into the Schengen Zone—whether by plane, train, or ferry.

Spain and Portugal Airports Prepare for EU’s New Biometric Border System

As Europe prepares to launch the new Entry/Exit System (EES), airports in Spain and Portugal are getting ready for a major shift in how non-EU travellers are processed at the border.

In Spain, the Region of Murcia’s International Airport—commonly known as Corvera—is finalising the installation of biometric border control gates. These new systems will scan passports, take facial images and fingerprints, and automatically log the exact entry and exit dates of travellers from outside the EU and Schengen area. Once operational, all non-EU visitors will need to use these machines at Corvera.

Portugal has also been rolling out its biometric systems across major airports in recent weeks. However, the transition hasn’t been entirely smooth. According to Portugal News, passengers have faced delays due to increased summer travel and stricter EU-mandated checks.

Portugal’s Internal Security System (SSI) acknowledged the challenges, noting that the new systems require an “adaptation period.” Still, authorities say they’re ahead of the EU's schedule and are working to ease the process.

“To improve the service, we've expanded network capacity, installed new communication equipment, deployed additional biometric gates (Rapids), and provided ongoing training for border officers,” the SSI stated. These upgrades are being implemented at key airports including Lisbon, Faro, Porto, Funchal, Ponta Delgada, Porto Santo, and Lajes.

The biometric overhaul also includes integration with the VIS4 (European Visa Information System), PASSE+ (Portugal’s national border control system), and the Borders Portal.

While some teething problems are expected, these changes mark a significant step toward a fully digital EU border experience ahead of the EES launch.

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Charlie

Travel and Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager at IaM (Immigration and Migration)

Charlie is IaM’s resident Travel & Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager. They craft clear, engaging guides that demystify complex visa and migration rules - and then personally supports each client through every step of their journey.

Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".

When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.