European Union to Implement New Entry/Exit System

The European Union is set to introduce a new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will be operational starting October 12, 2025. This was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The new system aims to strengthen the control of the external borders of the Schengen Area, increase security, and simplify processes for citizens of non-EU countries.

What should citizens of the Republic of Armenia know?

Who does it concern? The new system applies to all individuals who are not citizens of EU or Schengen Area member states, including Armenian citizens.

What changes? At border checkpoints, EU and Schengen Area countries will register each entry and exit, replacing the current practice of stamping passports. The data being recorded includes:

• Personal information (name, surname, nationality, etc.),
• Travel document details,
• Date and place of entry and exit,
• Biometric data such as fingerprints and facial photographs.

Control of validity: The system will automatically monitor whether a person is allowed entry and whether the "90 days in every 180-day period" rule for short-term stays in the Schengen Area has been exceeded.

Where will it be implemented? The system will operate at all external border crossings, including airports, seaports, and land border crossings.

How to prepare: Travelers should be ready to provide biometric data (fingerprints, photo) and expect longer wait times at border checks, especially upon first entry.