From October 2025, Europe is introducing a major change at its external borders: the European entry/exit system. This reform transforms the way authorities register the arrival and departure of non-European travellers, with direct consequences for passengers, airlines and major airport hubs.
What is the EES and why it is used
Visit Entry-Exit System (EES) is a biometric database designed to automatically register the entry and exit of third-country nationals making a short-term stay in the Schengen area. The official aim is to reinforce security, better detect irregular stays and limit document fraud. The device records passport data, fingerprints and a facial image for each border crossing, then associates this information with the dates and places of passage.
What's new for travellers
For nationals of the European Union and the Schengen area, passage remains unchanged: e-gates will continue to operate as they do today. On the other hand, for a large number of non-EU travellers, registration in the EES on first entry becomes compulsory. Procedures include biometric capture and time-stamping of passage, making control automated and traceable. This evolution implies different interaction times at border crossings, and users should expect additional steps at first entry.
Practical impact at the airport
The introduction of the EES requires additional equipment and checkpoints, as well as close coordination between airport operators and border police. Several installations are required: check-in kiosks, cameras for facial capture, adapted e-gates and areas for manual control when biometrics fail. The aim of this transformation is to maintain the fluidity of transit while reinforcing the reliability of controls.
How to Brussels Airport prepares for the arrival of the
Brussels Airport has launched a technical and operational deployment plan to accommodate the EES gradually. The work involves the installation of new control booths, the deployment of cameras dedicated to facial capture, and the installation of automated check-in kiosks. The airport is working with the Federal Police to ensure that staffing levels and training are adapted to the new procedures.
Measures to limit waiting times
To reduce the impact on border crossing times, Brussels Airport is focusing on optimizing pedestrian flows, making greater use of check-in kiosks, and eventually extending the use of e-gates to certain non-EU visitors. Upstream operational tests are used to adjust the number of open positions and improve staff distribution at peak times.
Consequences for data protection and compliance
The introduction of EES comes with strict data protection obligations. The European authorities impose a processing framework that complies with the RGPD and technical guarantees to limit the risks associated with storing and accessing biometric data. Airports and law enforcement agencies must document uses and storage periods, and implement rigorous access controls.
What travellers need to know about their rights
People registered in the EES have rights of access, rectification and, in certain cases, opposition. Clear information at the time of control is essential: travelers must be informed of the purpose of the processing and how to exercise their rights. Brussels Airport provides visible information devices and procedures for responding to data-related requests.
Interactions with ETIAS and other tools
Visit EES complements other European initiatives such as ETIASthe electronic authorization system for visa-exempt visitors. While ETIAS filters before travel, the EES physically records border crossings. Together, these systems aim to modernize flow management and improve control planning.
Key information
The deployment of the Entry-Exit System starts in several member states from October 2025, and should be fully operational according to the European schedule. Brussels Airport has already installed additional equipment and is strengthening operational cooperation with the Federal Police to ensure efficient registration of non-EU travellers. Travelers from the Schengen area will see no major changes, while non-EU visitors will have to arrange for biometric registration on first entry. Personal data rights are protected by strict rules in line with the RGPD. For practical information and operational updates, Flywest provides dedicated coverage and guides to help passengers prepare.
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