Everything You Need to Know About the New Entry/Exit System (EES) in the EU in 2025
From October 12, 2025, Europe will introduce the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace the familiar passport stamps with biometric checks. The system will be used to register the data of third-country nationals...
As of October 12, 2025, Europe will introducethe new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace the familiar passport stamps withbiometric checks. The system will be used to register data on 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 cover29 European countries:
25 countries associated with the Schengen Area,
as well as Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, and Iceland.
The introduction of EESwill begradualover a six-month period, to give passengers, border authorities, and the transport industry time to adapt to the new rules.
How the EES works
EES usesbiometric datato identify passengers:
facial scanning,
fingerprint scanning (for visa-free travelers — four fingers).
Children under 12 are not fingerprinted. 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 undergofacial scanningupon entry, since their fingerprints are already registered when applying for a visa.
Combating illegal migration— by recording people who overstay or are refused entry.
Reducing identity fraud— thanks to accurate biometrics.
Speeding up border crossings— automated control procedures reduce queues and improve traveler comfort.
Data storage and protection
Digital data will be stored forat least three years. The European Union guarantees compliance withfundamental human rights and the right to privacywhen processing personal data.
In addition, some countries are introducing aself-service systemthat allows passengers to upload their data to the system in advance and send it to the border officer, reducing waiting time at control points.
Impact on Montenegrin citizens
For Montenegrin citizens, the introduction of EES is especially important, as the country is among theEU candidate countries, and its residents travel actively to the Schengen Area. With the system in place:
passport stamps will no longer be needed,
checks will become faster and more accurate,
travel will be safer, especially for those who frequently cross Europe’s borders.
All Montenegrin passports already havebiometric 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 alsoapply to foreign nationals temporarily or permanently residing in Montenegro, that is, those who havetemporary residence permits (TRP) or permanent residence permits (PRP). Such individuals, when traveling to Schengen countries, must undergo biometric checks 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 Montenegrin TRP and PRP can travel freely within the Schengen Area without worrying thattheir passports will run out of space for stamps, while their 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.
Monitor your length of stay— entry and exit data will be stored in EES, so overstaying may affect future trips.
Children under 12are exempt from fingerprinting, but a biometric photo will be used.
Use the self-service systemif available — it reduces time at the border and makes the process more convenient.
Why EES matters for Europe
The system improvesexternal border managementand strengthensEU internal security, making it possible to quickly identify individuals who pose a threat and monitor compliance with stay rules.
In addition, EES provides:
accurate monitoring of border crossings,
digital recording of data on persons refused entry,
transparency and reliability in the work of border services.
Summary
With the introduction of theEntry/Exit System (EES), travel to Europe for Montenegrin citizens, as well as foreign nationals with temporary and permanent residence, will become safer and more technologically advanced. Biometric checks, 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.
