From 12 October 2025, European countries (Estonia among them) will start using the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at their external borders. The system will gradually replace passport stamps with a digital record of when non-EU travellers enter and leave the Schengen Area.
If you are a non-EU national travelling for a short stay (up to 90 days within 180 days), you will be registered in the EES – whether you need a visa or not. During your first crossing, you will be asked to provide fingerprints and a facial image. If you refuse to provide your biometric data, you will be denied entry into the territory of the European countries using the EES.
The system applies to you if you are a non-EU national who either:
- need a short-stay visa to travel to the European countries using the EES
- do not need a visa to travel for a short stay in the European countries using the EES
Your entries and exits, or entry refusals will be electronically registered in the EES.
Exemptions to registration in the EES apply - see To whom does the EES not apply?
What Entry/Exit System mean for you:
- Border checks may take longer at the beginning while the system is introduced.
- After registration, your border crossing will be quicker and smoother thanks to self-service options and faster checks.
- In the future (April 2026) your passport will no longer be stamped – entries and exits are stored electronically.
The system will be fully implemented across participating countries by 10 April 2026.
More information can be found on the official website of the Entry/Exit system: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees