On 12 October, the EU launched the gradual roll-out of the Entry/Exit System (EES), introducing biometric registration and automated tracking of third-country nationals at external borders. The system replaces passport stamping and must be fully operational by 10 April 2026. During the six-month transition, Member States must ensure that at least half of border crossings already use biometric functionalities.
The new system is intended to strengthen security, improve migration management and make checks more efficient. Yet, Member States have warned about possible bottlenecks during peak flows, particularly where infrastructure and staffing are not yet adapted.
Passenger and ro-ro terminals at Schengen’s external borders will need to adapt infrastructure and flows to integrate biometric kiosks and control booths. Coordination with border authorities will be critical to avoid longer embarkation times, especially in cruise and ferry hubs.
For FEPORT members, EES is not just a compliance requirement but a competitiveness issue: smooth implementation is key to ensuring efficient passenger flows and safeguarding ports’ role as gateways for secure and seamless travel.
