Australian travellers heading to Europe are being warned to expect longer queues at airports and land crossings from 12 October, when the European Union introduces a new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) across the Schengen Area.
The long-anticipated system will replace manual passport stamping with a fully electronic process designed to strengthen border security and monitor visa-free stays.
Under the new rules, non-EU nationals, including Australians, will be required to create a digital record the first time they enter the Schengen zone. The process involves submitting fingerprints, a facial photograph, and answering standard entry questions at the border.
Once registered, the digital profile will remain valid for three years, meaning travellers won’t need to repeat the full process on subsequent visits – only a quick fingerprint or photo check will be required at future crossings.
According to Smartraveller, the change is expected to slow processing times, particularly during the initial rollout period as officials adjust to the new system.
The Schengen Area currently includes 29 countries – among them France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany, Portugal, and Switzerland – where travellers can move freely without additional border checks.
By contrast, popular European destinations outside the Schengen zone include the UK, Ireland, Türkiye, Croatia’s neighbours such as Serbia and Montenegro, and several Eastern European nations.
Visitors to Schengen countries can still stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period, but the new digital system will make tracking those stays automatic. Travellers who overstay risk fines, detention, or entry bans across the EU.
The EES rollout will begin on 12 October, with full implementation expected in early 2026.
