Starting October 12, 2025, Emirates Airline highlights a new EU Entry/Exit System replacing manual passport stamps with biometric data collection at Schengen borders.

Emirates Airline has announced that starting from October 12, 2025, the European Union will implement a new Entry/Exit System (EES) at the borders of the Schengen Area. This initiative will replace the manual passport stamping process by creating a digital record of entry and exit information, which includes both essential and biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images.

The airline noted on its website that this system applies to citizens from countries outside the European Union or Schengen Area who are traveling to or from these regions for short stays. Upon their first arrival, border officials will collect travelers' biometric data-fingerprints and face scans-alongside their passport details, securely storing them in the system's database.

For future visits, travelers will not need to undergo the entire registration process again since their information will be pre-recorded; only digital logging of entry and exit is required thereafter.

The system does not apply to EU citizens, residents of the Schengen Area, or holders of long-term visas or residence permits.

Emirates Airline advises travelers to allocate extra time for border crossing procedures, especially during initial trips following the system's implementation. This cautionary note underscores potential adjustments needed as passengers familiarize themselves with this new protocol.