The European Union has officially confirmed the launch date of the new border control system. EES will be launched on October 12, 2025. For the first time in its history, the EU will collect biometric data from all travelers from third countries in a single database.
The decision has been made final. After numerous postponements — first to 2023, then to May 2024, then to early 2025 — European officials have named a specific date. The system is expected to be fully operational across the Schengen area by the summer of 2026.
How border crossing will change
From October 2025, all Russian citizens entering Schengen countries are required to undergo biometric registration. No exceptions. The system will affect 29 European countries, including all EU states plus Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland.
Major changes:
- Fingerprints – mandatory scanning of four fingers upon first entry.
- Digital photo – a full-face photo for each traveler.
- Automatic day counting – the system itself monitors compliance with the 90-day limit.
- Abolition of stamps in passports – all information is stored in an electronic database.
The innovations do not apply to:
- holders of national visas (type D);
- holders of residence permits in EU countries;
- citizens of the EU, Schengen, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican.
This may lead to significant queues at airports and land crossings, especially in the first months of the system’s operation.
The problem of non-biometric passports is getting worse
The situation with old-style Russian passports (valid for 5 years) continues to worsen. 6 EU countries have already completely stopped recognizing such documents: Denmark, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Iceland, Lithuania and France.
France has stopped issuing Schengen visas to holders of non-biometric passports since April 2025. The exception is visas issued before May 3, 2025. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, only biometric passports valid for 10 years guarantee hassle-free entry.
According to the European Commission, the new systems are designed to enhance security and reduce illegal migration. It is expected that EES will help identify visa violators automatically.
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