Travel Update: EU Entry/Exit System Launches October 12

Starting October 12, 2025, the European Union (EU) will begin implementing the Entry/Exit System (EES), a new digital border control system for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area for short stays.

What's Changing?

The EES will replace manual passport stamping with automated biometric checks.  Upon first entry into the Schengen Area, travelers will be required to:

• Submit four fingerprints
• Have a facial photo taken

This biometric data will be securely linked to their password or travel document and used for future entries.  The system will also track entry and exit dates to enforce the 90-day rule (maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period across Schengen countries).

Who Is Affected?

This applies to all non-EU nationals, including U.S. citizens, faculty, staff, and students traveling for short stays.  EU passport holders are exempt, along with a few other categories listed here.

What Should You Do?

• Plan for delays: First-time EES registration may cause longer wait times at border crossings.  Please allow extra time for registration, especially when traveling for scheduled events or academic programs.
• Track Schengen days: The EES will make it easier for authorities to detect overstays.  Please be aware of the 90/180-day rule and monitor travel time in the Schengen Area.  When entering a country in the Schengen area, the 180-day period starts.  Travelers can enter Schengen area countries as many times as they want, but only stay for a total of 90 days, every 180 days.
• Communicate early: Share this update with travelers and program coordinators within your college/department to avoid surprises at the border.

Consequences of Overstaying

Travelers who exceed the 90-day limit may face:

• Fines
• Deportation
• Travel bans for up to 3 years

It is the responsibility of travelers to ensure they have the correct travel documents.  For more details, please visit https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees.

University Travel Contacts:

Reach out to the UTEP Travel Services office for questions related to official University Travel for employees and guests or questions related to travel funded by the University.

E: travel@utep.edu
P: (915) 747-5171

Reach out to the UTEP Student Affairs office for questions related to official University Travel for students.

E: studenttravel@utep.edu
P: (915) 747-5648