Click below if you would like to leave the CTM Australasia website and be directed to the CTM Investor Centre. To return, simply click the close button Visit X site

Local solutions, delivered globally

CTM provides local service solutions to customers around the world. Please select your local region, and start experiencing the CTM difference!

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND UK/EUROPE
NORTH AMERICA ASIA

Don’t show this again


Continue

EU Entry/Exit System (EES) Guide for Australian Business Travellers: October 2025

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new electronic system that will register non-EU nationals (both short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travellers) each time they cross an EU external border, replacing the manual stamping of passports. Its purpose is to automatically track stays, enforce the 90/180- day rule, detect overstays, and strengthen border security.

The EES will be introduced gradually from October 2025, with full deployment expected by 10 April 2026. The rollout will span a 180-day transition period, during which EES capabilities will be expanded across external border checkpoints in participating countries.

Initially, only a limited number of border crossings will operate under the new system, increasing progressively. During this phase, biometric data collection and passport stamping will occur in parallel until stamping is fully phased out by April 2026.

All participating countries must activate EES in at least one border crossing (including collection of biometric data, such as facial imaging and fingerprints). By the end of the first 30 days of operation, at least 10% of border crossings should be registered in the EES.

The new system is now being rolled out at airports, seaports and land borders of the following EU countries:

update-EU-countries

Note: Manual passport stamping continues in Ireland and Cyprus.

How it works

The system will record a traveller’s name, passport details, facial image, fingerprints, and dates and places of entry/exit, including any refusals of entry.

First Time Registration: When you first travel after the system begins, you will need to provide your personal data. A border control officer, or self-service system will scan your fingerprints and take a facial photo. This information will be securely stored in the central EES system.

Subsequent Trips: On future visits, you will only need to verify your passport, fingerprints and facial image. This is expected to take less time, as the system should automatically recognise your details. In some cases, you may be asked to provide this information again. Each entry and exit will be logged, and the system will automatically calculate how many days remain under the 90/180-day rule.

Pre-Registration App

The Travel to Europe app is now available on all app stores. Available for use within 72 hours of travel, the mobile app allows travellers to pre-register:

  • Travel document details
  • A facial image
  • Entry Questionnaire (optional)

At this stage, it can only be used for entering and exiting Sweden, where it supports passport data submission, facial image capture, and completion of the entry questionnaire.

This is intended to help reduce border wait times – it will not replace border control procedures but aims to make them smoother and faster. Pre-registration with the app does not grant an automatic right to cross the external border of the EU. When travellers arrive at the border, they will still go through border checks. For security and technical reasons, fingerprints will also need to be scanned at the border in the presence of a border guard.

If your destination is not listed in the app, it means it is not yet supported at that specific border crossing point. In such cases, travellers should follow the instructions provided by local authorities upon arrival or departure. CTM can also provide further guidance if necessary.

Additional countries are expected to be added as the new systems are rolled out. However, it’s important to note that each European country will decide individually whether to make the app available.

Exemptions

The following travellers are not required to register in the EES:

  • EU, EEA, and Swiss Citizens.
  • Nationals of Cyprus and Ireland.
  • Holders of EU residence permits or long-stay visas.
  •  Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See.
  • Diplomats, heads of state, cross-border workers, and others who have been granted certain privileges with respect to border checks.
  • Children under 12 are not required to provide fingerprints, however facial imaging will still apply.
  • Holders of short-stay visas are not required to provide fingerprints as this should have already been submitted during the visa application process.

Validity

EES enforces the 90 days in any 180-day period rule. Once you enter, the system automatically starts counting down your allowable days. Data recorded upon entry will be stored for a period of 3 years from the last entry or exit date. If an overstay or refusal of entry occurs, some records may be stored longer (entirely under the discretion of border control officers) for enforcement.

Possible Delays and Additional Scrutiny at Borders

Border processing times may vary depending on staffing levels, traffic, and the stage of the EES rollout. Delays are expected, particularly during the early months, with full implementation planned for 9th April 2026. Travellers are strongly advised to factor this into their travel plans.

Recent reports indicate that travellers – particularly frequent business travellers – are already experiencing increased scrutiny and delays when entering and exiting EU countries. This is expected to continue as border officials conduct more detailed passport checks to verify compliance with the 90/180-day Schengen stay rule.

Unfortunately, these checks cannot be avoided, and travellers may experience enhanced questioning to confirm their eligibility. So it’s important that travellers prepare their documents in advance, remain calm and allocate sufficient time. It’s not uncommon for people to forget how many days they have spent so far in total within the Schengen Area, so we advise travellers to start taking note and track personal and business travel to the Schengen area. They can also ensure compliance by using the EU’s official Short-Stay Visa Calculator.

Frequent business travellers should also carry a UK company support letter explaining the nature of their trip, as well as proof of onward/return travel.

EU ETIAS – European Travel Information and Authorisation System

Following EES, the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in late 2026 and will apply to visa-exempt nationals. As part of the application process, eligible travellers will need to complete; an online application form, background/security checks and pay an online fee. No action is needed yet – more details will be shared closer to launch date.

For further advice or questions, please contact our in-house visa department at visas@travelctm.com.

 

Useful Links:

European Union- EES – EES Homepage

App Store – Travel to Europe App

Google Play – Travel to Europe App

Further Details – Travel to Europe Mobile App

AU Government –Smart Traveller – Travel Advice

This material is accurate as of October 2025 and is general in nature. It is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and in practice, does not constitute legal advice. While we use reasonable skill and care in the preparation of this material, we accept no liability for use of and reliance upon it by any person.