The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations on 12 October 2025. The 29 European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the new data collection system at their external border crossing points, with full implementation by 10 April 2026. Yacht crew need to be prepared.

Published 1 month ago

Source:  European Union Entry/Exit System (EES)

Digital Record of Entry

The European Union is launching two new border management initiatives that will affect travel to Europe: the Entry/Exit Systems (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

EES affects non-EU travellers (who don’t require a visa to enter the EU) and replaces passport stamps with digital registration of personal data and travel dates to track short-term stays and enforce the 90/180 day rule.

Sailors/cruisers must be prepared to visit an official office or a designated border crossing point to have their biometrics recorded. EES requires registration of passport details, fingerprints and facial biometrics at European borders as a digital record before entry.

When will EES be deployed?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be deployed starting 12 October, 2025, gradually across the external borders of the 29 European countries over a period of six months.

These European countries will introduce the different elements of the EES in phases, including the collection of biometric data, such as facial image and fingerprints. This means that travellers’ biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) might not be collected at every border crossing point right away, and their personal information may not be registered in the system to begin with.

Passports will continue to be stamped as usual.

This progressive implementation will last until 9 April 2026.

From 10 April 2026, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points of the European countries using the system.

Biometrics are kept for up to three years (or until the passport expires).

Why is EES being introduced?

According to the European Union website, the new EES:

• Modernises border management across the European countries using the system; by electronically registering non-EU nationals’ entries and exits, or entry refusals;
• Makes border checks more efficient, gradually improving the experience for travellers;
• Effectively combats identity fraud by collecting biometric data;
• Improves security within the EU;
• Helps combat terrorism and serious organised crime by acting as an identity verification tool.

What will change once EES is deployed?

The EES will change how non-EU citizens, including sailors, enter the Schengen Area, requiring a more structured process at official border points and the recording of biometric data.

For most non-EU nationals, the EES:

• Provides precise information on the maximum duration of their authorised stays in the territory of all European countries using the EES;
• Replaces the need for passport stamping (unless exceptions apply);
• Gradually reduces waiting times in passport control queues by introducing automated border controls (where available and under the supervision of passport control officers).

Will there be EES Kiosks in Ports of Entry?

Some ports of entry, particularly those with cruise ship traffic, are prepared to start EES on October 12 – however – there are also a great many that are not yet set up.

World Cruising Club – organisers of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers – report that equipment for the new system is already in place in popular rally departure ports, but there may be different start dates for operational implementation.

• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Implementation with the Polícia de Migración is expected on 4th December, 2025
• Azores: Horta & Ponta Delgada have the equipment, but have not advised a start date.
• Mainland Portugal, Azores and Madeira will start at the same time.

Please report any EU ports of entry where you have observed EES equipment for yacht crew: contact noonsite@noonsite.com

Warning: Temporary gap in recording entry/exit for yacht crew

When the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) begins, many seaports will not have the technology ready straight away. This creates a temporary gap and the concern that an electronic entry may not be properly matched with a later departure if the system is not yet installed at that port (or vice versa). If that happens, the system could wrongly suggest that someone has overstayed. Crew flying in to join a boat and then departing by sea are particularly vulnerable in these early stages.

Passport stamps recommended

On arrival or departure by sea (or by air), yacht crew should present their passport at the maritime border control point (BCP) and ask for it to be stamped (even if EES is undertaken). In this interim period while EES is being properly implemented, a stamp in your passport is the key document that allows officials to record your arrival/departure correctly.

The ink stamp is vital evidence of your lawful entry/departure and is still required at ports without functioning EES equipment.

Keep extra proof

• Hold onto boarding passes, travel records, marina bills etc.
• These can support your stamped passport if questions arise.

Bottom line for Yacht Crew

Until EES is fully up and running at all Schengen entry and exit points, the passport stamp is your most reliable safeguard and protects you from being mistakenly flagged as an overstayer.

Note: EES rules do not apply to travellers with residence permits or long-stay visas.

For more information visit:

• European Union Entry/Exit System FAQs
• EU Entry Exit System – Everything Travellers Need to Prepare For
• Noonsite EU page

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

The EU is also introducing a new visa waiver system linked to passports called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will build on the EES.

Citizens of non-EU countries who don’t need a visa to enter the EU – including people from the UK – will be able to apply online for authorisation before they travel.

ETIAS isn’t due to start until the end of 2026, but the final date has not yet been confirmed.  It will cost €20 per application, and will be valid for three years.  People aged under 18 and over 70 will need to apply, but won’t have to pay.

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Related News:

• Goodbye Passport Stamps – These 29 Countries are Phasing them Out (Timeout)
• How will the EU’s New Border System Work (BBC)
• EU finally aims for October start date for Entry/Exit System (EES) passport checks (Spain in English)
• EU’s Entry-Exit System Set for October 2025 Rollout (Business Travel News)

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Related Links:

• European Union Entry/Exit System
• EU Entry Exit System – Everything Travellers Need to Prepare For
• United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation
• Revised Timeline for EES and ETIAS

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This content was compiled by Noonsite from various sources.