New EU Entry/Exit System (EES) from mid-October 2025

Controls for non-Eu nationals leaving the Schengen area

The EU Entry/Exist System (EES), operational since 12 October 2025, is an automated border control system for non-EU nationals entering or leaving the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).

It applies to all external Schengen borders, including air, land and sea crossings, and replaces traditional passport stamps with electronic registration of entries and exits. The system requires biometric data collection (photograph and fingerprints) and aims to enhance border securit, prevent overstays, and streamline border procedures. 

Data are securely stored and accessible to border authorities under strict conditions, ensuring uniform and accurate tracking of short-term stays across all external Schengen borders. The system is being gradually implemented, with full operational status expected by 10 April 2026.

Not applicable for inner Schengen travels

However, travel within the Schengen Area, such as the ferry route between Valetta (Malta) and Pozzallo (Sicily, Italy), is treated differently. As an internal Schengen border crossing, it is not subject to EEs procedures. There are no routine passport or immigration checks, and no biometric or electronic registration is performed at either departure or arrival. In contrast, travel to or from Malta across external Schengen borders - for example, flights to non-Schengen countries or ferry routes to destination such as Tunisia - remains subject to EES requirements, including biometric registration and electronic entry/exit recording. This distinction underscores the different treatment of internal versus external Schengen borders under the EES framework.