Updated travel rules & what the new EU EES means for travellers 

What changed: The EU Entry / Exit System (EES)  

From 12 October 2025 the EU began a phased rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) at external Schengen borders. EES replaces passport stamping with an electronic entry/exit record for non-EU travellers and requires facial photos and fingerprints on first entry (children under 12 may only need a photo). The rollout is phased over six months and is expected to be fully operational by 10 April 2026. Travel Europe 

What this means for Nigerian travellers 

• You will be biometrically registered on arrival . On your first entry to Schengen countries using EES your passport data, a facial image and fingerprints will be captured. On subsequent short visits you may be subject to facial verification. Plan for a short extra wait at passport control during the phased rollout. Migration and Home Affairs+1
  
• Passport checks and overstays are now electronic. EES monitors the 90-days-in-any-180-day Schengen limit and helps detect overstayers automatically. Ensure you track your days in Schengen. Migration and Home Affairs
  
• No action required before travel for EES itself. EES registration happens at the border; you do not apply for it in advance. (Note: ETIAS  a separate travel authorisation is expected later and will require advance application.) Travel Europe
  
  
  
  At the border, what to expect with EES

1. At airports, ports and selected land borders you will be asked to scan your passport and have your photo and fingerprints taken (first entry). Children under 12 usually require only a photo.
   Passport stamping will be progressively phased out as EES becomes fully operational; during the rollout you may still get a stamp.
   
2. Allow extra time for border control during the initial roll-out season and during peak travel periods. Airlines and border authorities are implementing phased checks to reduce disruption.