The New EU Entry/Exit System (EES): What Australian Travellers Need to Know Before Flying to Europe

What Is the EES and Why Does It Matter for Australians?

If you’re an Aussie heading to Europe, the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will change how you enter and leave Europe. Instead of getting a passport stamp at the border, your entry and exit will be digitally recorded. 

The system will register:

• Your passport details, date, time, and place of entry and exit, and Biometric data (a facial image and four fingerprints).

• This new system is designed to make border crossings more accurate, smoother and safer, while helping travellers keep track of the 90-days in any 180 day period for short visits to Schengen countries.

• For Australian travellers, this means fewer passport stamps, faster re-entry next time, and more transparent travel records across Europe.

When Did the Europe EES Start?

The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) officially launched on 12 October 2025, marking the start of a new, fully digital border process for travellers entering Europe.

From this date, all non-EU visitors, including Australians, have been and/or will be processed through the new EES system at Europe’s external borders. Instead of getting a passport stamp, travellers now complete a quick biometric check, where fingerprints and a facial image are securely linked to their passport.

You’ll only need to do this once. After your details are stored in the EES system, future trips will be faster and easier, with smoother border crossings throughout the Schengen Area.

Which Countries Does the European Entry Exit System (EES) Cover?

Countries using the EES include:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

If you’re travelling from Australia, whether flying directly to Europe or connecting through Singapore, Dubai, Doha, or Bangkok, you’ll complete your EES registration when you first arrive in one of these Schengen countries.

How Does It Affect Australians Visiting Europe?

If you hold an Australian passport, you currently don’t need a visa for short stays in Europe (under 90 days). That won’t change. However, you’ll need to register through EES when you enter a Schengen country.

Here’s what you can expect at the border:

• Scan your passport at a self-service kiosk or with a border officer.

• Provide biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) the first time you travel under the system.

• The system will digitally record your entry and exit, meaning no more passport stamps.

If you travel often, this should make travelling easier as once you’re registered, the system recognises you automatically for future trips.

Plan Your European Journey With Confidence.

The EES marks a new chapter in European travel, and Australians are well placed to take advantage of its convenience.

Whether you’re dreaming of café hopping in Paris, skiing in the Swiss Alps, or island-hopping in Greece, Mix & Match Travel can help you plan your journey around these new travel requirements, seamlessly and stress-free.

Ready to Explore Europe?