SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of External Affairs
The European Union marked a major milestone in modernizing border management with the progressive rollout of the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which commenced on October 12, 2025. The system is being rolled out at air, land, and sea borders, with full operation expected by April 2026.
Key Objectives and Functionality:
Modernizing Borders: The EES records the entry and exit of non-EU nationals traveling for short stays, along with their biometric data (facial images and fingerprints) and personal data from their travel documents.
Replacing Passport Stamps: Once fully operational, these digital checks will completely replace manual passport stamping.
Enhancing Security and Integrity:
The system will automatically detect travellers who overstay their permitted duration in the Schengen Area.
The collection of biometric data will significantly help to prevent identity fraud.
The centralized data will empower law enforcement authorities to fight against serious crimes and terrorism.
Streamlining Travel: The system aims to make crossing borders smoother, featuring faster checks and self-service possibilities.
Policy Relevance
The introduction of the EES is a crucial institutional and security measure that affects global travel and digital governance. This move enhances the security of the Schengen Area by ensuring traceability and combating identity fraud, but it also signals a global shift toward mandatory digital and biometric data registration for cross-border travel. This will necessitate that governments like India update their citizen travel advisories and prepare their citizens for the new digital and biometric requirements at EU borders.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How will the the Ministry of External Affairs and relevant agencies ensure the security of Indian nationalsβ biometric data travelling to the EU?
Follow the full news here: EUβs new Entry/Exit System will make Europe safer for all