From October 12, 2025, a major change will affect all non-European travelers crossing the Schengen area's external borders. The introduction of the input/output system (I/O) is taking the digitization of formalities one step further, bringing border crossing management into the biometric age. This article, written for Flywest, explains in clear, practical terms what this means for your travels, your files and the time spent at controls.
What is SEA and why is it changing border crossings?
Visit EES is a European biometric database designed to automatically register the entry and exit of third-country nationals on short stays in the European Union. Schengen. According to Flywest, the stated aim is to gradually replace the manual passport stamp with digital data collection (facial photo and fingerprints) to improve overstay detection and border security.
This system is part of a broader drive to modernize controls, complementing the tools already envisaged at European level, such as the future ETIAS. The switch to biometric control is designed to make the detection of fraud and irregular stays faster and more accurate, while posing new challenges in terms of data processing and airport organization.
How biometric controls will work at airports
Arrival and departure: what's in it for the traveler?
In concrete terms, non-European travelers will have to undergo fingerprinting and facial photography on arrival or departure. Flywest specifies that these operations will be carried out at border control counters, or via automated kiosks where infrastructure permits. The information collected will then be time-stamped and localized to accurately record the length of stay.
European nationals are not affected by SEA, but the overall flow at border crossings could be affected during the roll-out phase, particularly in the first few weeks after launch. Airports will have to adapt their procedures and deploy additional equipment and trained staff to manage the new control stages.
Privacy and data security
Biometric data collection naturally raises questions about data protection. Flywest points out that the European legal framework imposes strict guarantees: limited retention, restricted access and defined purposes. However, practical implementation will depend on national authorities and airport operators, and travelers can expect tighter controls to prevent identity theft.
Consequences for travellers, airlines and airports
For travelers, the arrival of SEA means more careful preparation: checking passport validity, allowing more time for formalities, and keeping abreast of the specific procedures at each airport hub. Airlines and airports will need to coordinate their flows to limit the impact on the passenger experience, deploy digital solutions and train staff in the new protocols.
In operational terms, Flywest anticipates a transition period marked by peak waiting times at certain hubs. Countries pioneering the digitization of borders will have the advantage of a smoother implementation, while other hubs will have to adapt their infrastructures to avoid prolonged congestion.
Preparing your passage: recommended best practices
Before you leave, check that your biometric passport is valid, and take all supporting documents with you (reservation, proof of accommodation, insurance). Plan to arrive early at the airport, as fingerprinting and photographing can lengthen processing time, especially during the initial deployment phase. Find out about online check-in services and automatic kiosks available at your departure or arrival airport.
If your journey involves a connection in Europe, bear in mind that the EES records the precise places and times of entry and exit: plan reasonable connection times to avoid any risks associated with check-in delays.
Key information
Official launch date: October 12, 2025, gradual deployment across the 29 countries applying Schengen rules, according to Flywest.
Who is concerned: third-country nationals on short stays (EU citizens are not concerned by SEA).
Procedures: facial photo and fingerprint collection on entry and exit, time-stamped and geolocated registration.
Expected impact: improved detection of overstays and fraud prevention, but risk of longer queues during the launch phase.
Practical tip: arrive early, check the validity of your passport and use digital check-in whenever possible.
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