EU Entry/Exit System will require biometric checks for non-EU cruise passengers at ports, airports, and land borders.
The EU’s long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES) will launch in 2025. It will impact all non-EU cruise passengers who don’t need a visa to visit the Schengen Area.
This includes travellers from the U.S., Canada, the UK, and other non-EU countries. Passengers will need to scan their passports or travel documents at self-service kiosks when crossing EU borders.
The EES aims to strengthen border security by tracking travellers staying up to 90 days within a 180-day period. All EU member states, except Cyprus, Ireland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, will use the system.
The Schengen Area consists of 26 countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Passengers will need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition when entering or exiting these zones. This could result in longer wait times at ports.
UK nationals, no longer part of the EU, will also undergo these checks, following the same procedures as other non-EU travellers when embarking or disembarking at EU ports.
The EES will replace traditional passport stamps. It will provide more accurate tracking of entry and exit, while helping to identify overstayers.
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The European Commission plans a gradual rollout, and expects full implementation within six months of the initial launch. The official start date is still pending. Once approved, member states will have six months to deploy the system.
Additionally, travellers will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a €7 visa-waiver for those aged 16-70, starting six months after the EES goes live.
Cruise passengers should plan for extra processing time at ports. The new system will enhance security but may cause delays during embarkation and disembarkation.
