Greece to start using EU Digital Entry/Exit System on 12 October 2025

Greece, together with the other countries belonging to the Schengen area, will start using the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) from 12 October 2025, replacing manual passport stamps with a digital border control system for third-country nationals.

The EES will record travellers’ biometric data (such as fingerprints and facial images) as well as dates and locations of entry/exit, with the aim of simplifying border controls and preventing overstays. The system will be gradually implemented across the Schengen Area from October 2025 to April 2026, with Greece being one of the first countries to implement it.

What is the EES?
The EES is a new automated IT system designed to monitor and record border crossings for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area for short stays.

When will it be implemented?
The EES is scheduled to start operations on 12 October 2025.
It will be gradually implemented at border crossing points over a period of six months, with full implementation by 9 April 2026.

What does this mean for travellers?
Biometric data: The first time you cross the external border of a Schengen country (including Greece), you will need to give your fingerprints and have your photograph taken at the border. This data will be stored for three years, so you will not need to do this every time you travel.
Digital record: Instead of manual passport stamps, a digital record of your entry and exit will be created.
Purpose: The EES aims to increase efficiency at borders, prevent irregular migration and make it easier to detect travellers who have overstayed their authorised stay.

Which countries does it apply to?
The EES applies to third-country nationals travelling for short stays to Schengen countries (i.e. the EU Member States, except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway).
It replaces the traditional passport stamping procedure for these travellers at the external Schengen borders.

What you need to do:
You do not need to register before reaching the border. The process takes place upon arrival.
There are no costs associated with registering with the EES.
Failure to comply with the biometric data collection requirement could result in a refusal of entry into the Schengen area.

For more details see the official website of the European Union:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees