Insights

As international travel becomes more tech-driven, the European Union is introducing a major upgrade to how non-EU travellers, including Indian citizens, will enter and exit the Schengen Area.

A digital solution designed to replace traditional passport stamps with biometric and data-driven border control in the form of the Entry/Exit System (EES). A significant move toward smarter, faster, and more secure travel in Europe.

Whether you’re planning a Rome and Vatican itinerary or heading for Italian wine-tasting tours, it’s important to know how EES works and how to be prepared.

And when it comes to navigating these changes with confidence, we at BLS International are here to make the process effortless for you.

What Is the Entry/Exit System?

EES is an automated IT system being introduced across the EU’s external borders to monitor the movements of non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area for short-term stays (this typically includes visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period).

Rather than relying on border officers to stamp passports manually, EES will register:

●    The traveller’s entry and exit dates 

●    Biometric data (facial scans and fingerprints)

 ●    Passport and visa details

This data will be stored electronically and shared with EU security agencies to help enforce immigration rules, manage overstay risks, and strengthen border controls.

EES will be operational at airports, seaports, and land borders across all Schengen member states.

Who Will It Impact?

EES applies to all non-EU citizens entering Europe for short-term stays, regardless of whether a visa is required. That includes tourists, business travelers, and students attending short programs, and individuals from countries with visa exemptions.

If you’re someone who travels to Europe for holidays or events, or even if you’re just passing through, this new entry system will likely affect you. Importantly, this applies regardless of visa requirements. So even if you don’t need a visa to enter, you will still be subject to EES registration.

What’s Changing for Travellers?

The most obvious shift will be the absence of manual stamps in your passport. Instead, your travel record will be stored electronically and updated every time you enter or leave the respective country.

Here’s what else is new:

●    More use of automated passport control gates

●    Biometric checks (photo and fingerprints) during your first visit

●    Digital tracking of how long you stay and whether you’ve exceeded allowed limits

●    Shorter wait times and fewer manual checks once fully implemented

Travelers can expect the process to feel different, especially the first time, so it’s a good idea to arrive at the airport with enough time to complete these new steps without stress. Once registered, your biometric data will be valid for three years, simplifying future entries.

Why It Matters to Travelers from India

While the basic entry requirements, such as obtaining a visa, remain unchanged for Indian citizens, EES introduces new protocols at the point of entry. That means:

●    Any past overstay or rule violation will now be digitally recorded and flagged

●    Your biometric data will be required at the first point of entry into Europe

●    Failing to follow the new process might delay entry or affect future travel plans

Being aware of these updates ensures a smoother journey, especially if it’s your first time traveling to Europe after the new rules take effect.

Is This the Same as ETIAS?

Not exactly. It’s easy to confuse EES with ETIAS, another EU travel initiative. However, they serve different purposes:

●   EES is a border entry and exit tracking system for all non-EU visitors

●   ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers

Indian passport holders, who already require a visa, will only interact with EES, not ETIAS. However, travelers with multiple nationalities should confirm which requirements apply to them based on the passport they intend to use.

How BLS International Helps You Prepare

We at BLS International recognize that changing rules and systems can feel overwhelming, especially when planning an international journey. From visa application to understanding what to expect at the border, we offer end-to-end support for travelers needing guidance at every step, and here's how:

●    Personalized help with document preparation and appointment scheduling

●    Information about biometric requirements under the new system

●    Updates and alerts through our centres and support lines

●    On-ground assistance across India and in other countries

●    Easy tracking tools for application progress

●    FAQs and checklists to help you prepare confidently

Whether you’re heading out for a family holiday, a romantic escape, or a cultural immersion, we’re committed to making sure you travel well-informed and stress-free.

A New Way to Travel

Stay informed, prepare early, and rely on experienced partners who understand the new landscape. We at BLS International are always up to date with travel regulations and are here to guide you smoothly through the journey ahead.

The Entry/Exit System is a sign of how travel is evolving to meet modern needs — faster processing, better tracking, and enhanced safety. While it adds a few new steps to the process, it’s ultimately a move toward more streamlined travel experiences.

So plan your European adventure, pack your bags, and let us take care of the rest. Because travel should be exciting, not complicated. And with the right support, it always will be.