Greece is among the European countries preparing to rollout a new, cutting-edge biometric border system for non-EU citizens, which aims to modernize and tighten the external border control of the European Union.
The long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) is currently scheduled to launch in October 2025 in the Schengen area although the final implementation date will be officially announced closer to the rollout.
EES will replace the manual stamping of passports for third-country nationals, including British passport holders, who after Brexit, are treated as third-country nationals. Instead, biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial scans, will be collected and stored upon arrival and departure. These digital records of non-EU citizens will be valid for a period of three years, simplifying repeat entry for registered travelers.
The EU argues that the move is vital for enhancing security, combating overstays, and modernizing border controls. The Schengen area, the free-movement zone comprised of 29 European countries that have abolished passport controls at their mutual borders, allows over 400 million residents to move freely between member states. However, this freedom has traditionally posed security challenges, especially for non-EU citizens. EES is expected to introduce a more secure and automated framework to monitor those who enter EU territory.
The other countries that will participate in EES aside from Greece include: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
The introduction of the new biometric control system is expected to bring significant changes in the way non-EU nationals enter the European Union.
For example, new visitors arriving at the EU’s borders by air may encounter long wait times at immigration, especially during peak seasons as border authorities process border checks and create digital profiles for new entrants. Once the profile of the traveler is created, travelers will no longer need to undergo full identity screening for every visit. A simple fingerprint scan or facial recognition match will allow a smoother entry and exit with a validity of three years.
The European Union is preparing to launch another key project in late 2026 with the aim of enhancing its digital infrastructure.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require third-country nationals and UK citizens entering the EU to apply for travel authorization prior to entering a Schengen country.
The ETIAS application process will be done online, requiring basic personal details such as passport information and travel plans. Applicants will also need to pay a nominal fee. This pre-travel clearance is expected to further tighten security measures by identifying potential risks on who enters the Schengen area before an individual arrives at European borders.
Similar to the ESTA system in the United States, which screens travelers before entering the country, ETIAS will screen third-country nationals against several EU security databases, including those related to terrorism and criminal records. The approval process is expected to be completed within minutes for most applicants while it may take longer for cases requiring manual review.
