EU’s Entry/Exit System provides new tool for managing Europe’s borders

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System will be gradually introduced across EU countries starting on 12 October 2025. On 28 August, the Government issued a decree to bring the national legislation related to the system into force. The decree will enter into force on 12 October 2025.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new EU-wide tool for managing Europe’s external borders. It is part of the EU’s broader effort to strengthen the control of the Schengen area’s external borders and to enhance internal security within the EU.

The EES Regulation establishes a new EU-wide information system designed to improve the management of external borders, prevent irregular immigration and facilitate the management of migration flows. The system will provide authorities with more reliable information about non-EU nationals entering and staying in EU Member States.

The EES will electronically register border crossing data for third-country nationals who are allowed to stay in the Member States for a short period. It will also automatically calculate the length of their permitted stay. Once in use, the system will replace the current obligation to stamp the passports of third-country nationals.

Border, visa, and immigration authorities can process the data in the system. In addition, the police, the Finnish Border Guard, Customs and the Finnish Defence Forces will have the right to access the system to prevent, detect, and investigate terrorist offences and serious crimes.
The EES will be introduced at border checks gradually, with a six-month transition period. This will give authorities, the travel industry and passengers time to adapt to the changes. 

The Finnish Border Guard will provide separate information for travellers about how the new system will affect border crossings.

Inquiries:
Anne Ihanus, Senior Adviser for Legislative Affairs, tel. +358 295 421 608, [email protected]