Europe Launches New Digital Entry/Exit System, Impacting Travel from Africa to Schengen Zone

Beginning today, 12 October 2025, a major change takes effect for travellers from Africa and around the world heading to Europe: the new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operational across 29 European countries. This digital border management system is poised to transform how travellers are processed at the EU’s external borders, enhancing both the effectiveness and efficiency of control procedures for all visitors to the Schengen Area.

The EES replaces traditional manual passport stamping with a fully automated digital solution. Upon each entry or exit, the system will record a traveller’s name, type of travel document, biometric data (including fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of entry and exit. This comprehensive digital record will regulate the length of stay permitted for non-EU nationals in the Schengen zone—an essential update for travellers from sub-Saharan Africa, who are increasingly seeking business, leisure, study, and family opportunities in Europe.

For Africa’s travel professionals, the roll-out of EES is a significant development that will impact itinerary planning, visa consultancy, and travel advice. The digital system promises faster, more secure border crossings, with the potential to reduce wait times and limit the risk of human error or fraudulent entry. However, it also introduces new procedures that travel industry stakeholders must understand to adequately prepare their clients for a seamless journey.

The EES will actively monitor the duration of each visitor’s stay, helping prevent overstays and ensuring compliance with EU immigration rules. This is particularly relevant for frequent travellers, business delegations, and those who move between Schengen countries for multiple purposes. The system will automatically flag individuals who have exceeded the permitted period, replacing the old method of manually checking passport stamps.

For African passport holders, especially those travelling to Europe for the first time or on multiple-entry visas, it is now more important than ever to be aware of the rules around permitted lengths of stay—typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period for short-term visits. The EES will use biometric data to ensure accurate recordkeeping, making it easier for authorities to track entries and exits across all participating countries.

As the EES becomes the new standard, travel professionals are encouraged to advise clients to allow for extra time at border crossings during the initial months of implementation, as both travellers and border agents adapt to the new procedures. It is also advisable to remind clients to keep their travel documents up to date and to be prepared for biometric checks at arrival and departure points.

This development underscores the EU’s commitment to modernizing its border controls and improving security, while also streamlining legitimate travel. The EES is expected to benefit compliant travellers with greater transparency and efficiency, but it also raises the stakes for those who might not be fully informed about their obligations under the new system.

The implementation of the EES serves as a reminder for Africa’s travel community to stay updated on regulatory changes that affect access to major international markets. As Europe remains one of the most popular destinations for African travellers—whether for tourism, business, or education—understanding and communicating these changes will be essential for maintaining client satisfaction and compliance in the years ahead.

With the EES now live across 29 European countries, African travel professionals have a new opportunity to demonstrate their value by guiding clients through evolving border procedures—ensuring that every journey to Europe begins and ends smoothly under the new digital regime.