Your Next European Trip: What Kiwis Need to Know About the New EES Dreaming of a summer holiday in Europe?

From the ancient ruins of Rome to the canals of Amsterdam, the Schengen Area has long been a favourite for Kiwi travellers. But for your next adventure, there’s a significant change coming to the border. Get ready to say goodbye to passport stamps and hello to a new digital system: the Entry/Exit System (EES).

What is the EES and When Does It Start?

The EES is a new, automated IT system designed to register travellers from outside the European Union, including New Zealanders, each time they cross an external border of a participating European country. This digital system is a major step in modernising border management and is set to replace the traditional manual stamping of passports.

The system is scheduled to be introduced on October 12, 2025. However, it will be phased in gradually over a six-month period, with full implementation expected by April 10, 2026. During this "soft opening" phase, passports may still be stamped in addition to the electronic registration.

Why Is This Being Introduced?

The EES is being implemented for a number of key reasons:

 * Improved Security: By collecting and storing biometric data and travel information electronically, the EES will help to detect identity and document fraud, and better combat cross-border crime and terrorism.

 * Enhanced Border Management: The system will provide a more accurate and efficient way for authorities to monitor who is entering and exiting the Schengen area.

 * Enforcing the 90/180-day Rule: For New Zealand passport holders, the current rule allows for a visa-free stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The EES will automatically track this, making it easier for officials to identify "overstayers" and ensuring travellers comply with the rules.

 * Streamlined Processes: While there may be initial delays during the rollout, the EES is designed to make border checks faster and more efficient in the long run.

How Will It Work for New Zealand Passport Holders?

For Kiwis travelling to Europe for a short stay (up to 90 days), here’s what you can expect:

 * First-time Registration: The first time you enter the Schengen Area after the EES is implemented, you will need to register your details at a border crossing. This will involve providing your personal information and having your biometric data collected—specifically, your fingerprints and a facial image.

 * Digital Record: This information will be securely stored in the EES for a period of three years, or until your passport expires.

 * Subsequent Trips: On your next visits, the process should be much faster. Border control officers will be able to verify your identity and check your travel history with a quick scan of your biometrics, such as a fingerprint or facial scan. At some locations, this may even be possible through self-service kiosks.

 * No More Stamping: Once the system is fully operational, the manual stamping of your passport will be a thing of the past. The EES will electronically record your entry and exit dates, making it a more reliable and less error-prone system.

 * Staying Informed: A new online “Web Service” tool will be available for travellers to check the remaining duration of their authorised stay, giving you peace of mind and helping you keep track of your days in October is CLIA Cruise Month—the best time to plan your next cruise! Take advantage of exclusive deals, new itineraries, and expert guidance from certified CLIA agent Ann Due for a smooth, value-packed sailing experience.the Schengen Area.

It's important to remember that the EES is a separate system from the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is an electronic travel authorisation that will also be required for visa-exempt travellers like New Zealanders. ETIAS is expected to be introduced after the EES, in late 2026.

In a nutshell, the EES is all about moving from a paper-based system to a modern, digital one. While you may encounter some longer queues as the system is rolled out, the long-term goal is to make your European travel experience smoother and more secure. So pack your bags, but be prepared for a slightly different process at the border on your next European adventure!

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