From October 12, 2025, Europe will introduce the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace the familiar passport stamps with biometric control. The system will be used to register the data of third-country nationals, including Montenegro, and is intended to improve border security, speed up border crossings, and prevent illegal migration.
At which borders will EES apply
The EES will cover 29 European countries:
- 25 countries associated with the Schengen Area,
- as well as Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, and Iceland.
The rollout of EES will be phased in over six months, to give passengers, border services, and the transport industry time to adapt to the new rules.
How the EES works
EES uses biometric data to identify passengers:
- facial scanning,
- fingerprint scanning (for those traveling visa-free — four fingers).
For children under 12, fingerprints are not taken. Biometrics help identify people accurately, reduce identification errors, and make it easier to detect those who violate stay rules.
Citizens of countries that require a visa will only undergo facial scanning upon entry, since their fingerprints are already recorded when applying for a visa.
Goals of the system rollout
The main objectives of EES:
- Improving the security of the external borders through precise control and process automation.
- Combating illegal migration — identifying people who overstay or have been refused entry.
- Reducing cases of identity fraud — thanks to accurate biometrics.
- Speeding up border crossings — automated control procedures reduce queues and increase traveler comfort.
Data storage and protection
Digital data will be stored for at least three years. The European Union guarantees respect for fundamental human rights and the right to privacy when processing personal data.
In addition, some countries are introducing a self-service system, allowing passengers to upload their data to the system in advance and send it to the border officer, which reduces waiting time at control.
Impact on Montenegrin citizens
For Montenegrin citizens, the introduction of EES is especially important, since the country is among the candidate countries for EU membership, and its residents actively travel to the Schengen Area. With the introduction of the system:
- passport stamps will no longer be needed,
- control will become faster and more accurate,
- travel will be safer, especially for those who frequently cross Europe’s borders.
All Montenegrin passports already have biometric chips with a photo and fingerprints, which fully complies with EU requirements and ensures visa-free travel for short stays.
Application of EES to foreigners with temporary and permanent residence in Montenegro
It is important to note that the new system will also apply to foreign citizens temporarily or permanently residing in Montenegro, that is, those who have a temporary residence permit (TRP) or permanent residence permit (PRP). Such persons, when traveling to Schengen Area countries, are required to undergo biometric control under EES, just like Montenegrin citizens. This means that their border crossings will be recorded by the system, and if necessary, data on entries and exits will be stored for several years.
Thus, holders of TRP and PRP in Montenegro can travel calmly within the Schengen Area, without worrying that their passports will run out of space for stamps, while the length of stay is tracked through digital records in the system.
Practical tips for travelers
- Check your passport — make sure it is biometric and valid for travel to Schengen countries.
- Keep track of your length of stay — data on entries and exits will be stored in EES, so overstaying may affect future trips.
- Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting, but a biometric photo will be used.
- Use the self-service system, if available — it reduces time at the border and makes the process more convenient.
Why EES is important for Europe
The system improves external border management and enhances EU internal security, allowing quick identification of individuals who pose a threat and monitoring compliance with stay rules.
In addition, EES provides:
- accurate monitoring of border crossings,
- digital recording of data on persons denied entry,
- transparency and reliability in the work of border services.
Summary
With the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) travel for Montenegrin citizens, as well as foreign citizens with TRP and PRP, to Europe will become safer and more technologically advanced. Biometric control, digital records, and automated procedures will help speed up border crossings, reduce the risks of illegal migration, and shorten queues at border checkpoints.
For citizens of Montenegro and other Western Balkan countries, EES is a step toward safer and more convenient travel to the Schengen Area and other European countries.