SOUTH AFRICAN TRAVELLERS: NEW EU ENTRY - EXIT SYSTEM
From 12 October 2025, the European Union (EU) has introduced the EU Entry – Exit System (EES), for travellers entering the EU.
What is the EES?
The EES is the EU’s new border management system and will change the way that the EU manages its external borders.
The EES will digitalize the borders of EU countries and is designed to record data of visa exempt and visa required non-EU nationals, travelling for a short stay (no more than 90 days in any 180 day period), each time they cross the external borders of the 29 Schengen Member States.
The following data will be recorded in the EES file: data listed in travel document (full name, date of birth, nationality), date and place of each entry and exit, biometric data such as facial image and fingerprints, refusal of entry.
Please note that the EES will be deployed progressively in European countries that will introduce the different elements of the EES in phases, including the collection of biometric data, such as facial image and fingerprints. For international travellers this means that their biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) might not be collected at every border crossing point right away, and their personal information may not be registered in the system. Passports will continue to be stamped as usual. This progressive implementation will last until 9 April 2026. The EES will be fully operational from 10 April 2026, and the stamping of passports will be replaced with electronic records in the system.
Information pertaining to Dual- Nationals
The EES applies to non-EU nationals. The data of EU nationals will not be registered in the EES.
Dual nationals holding at least one EU nationality should use the travel document issued by the respective EU Member State.
In case dual nationals do not carry with them EU travel documents, they will need to show other documents to the border authorities to prove their nationality.
Benefits of the EES.
- Modernizing and improving management of EU external borders;
- The EES makes border crossings faster and seamless and helps to reduce waiting times.
- Prevents irregular migration.
- The EES enhances the efficiency of border checks, detecting security risks and ensuring that only authorised travellers cross the external borders.
For more information see link to official page below: