If you’re planning a trip from the UAE to Europe’s Schengen zone, get ready for a major change at the border. Emirates and Air Arabia have both issued advisories regarding the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which starts rolling out on October 12.

The days of collecting physical passport stamps are coming to an end. Instead, non-EU travellers (like those travelling from the UAE for short visits) will have their entry and exit recorded digitally.

What Does This Mean for Your First Trip?

The biggest change happens on your first trip after the system goes live. Border authorities will collect your personal details along with biometric data, which includes a facial image and your fingerprints. This creates your new digital travel record.

The practical takeaway?

This initial setup will likely slow things down. Both airlines recommend travellers allow extra time at border control points as staff and systems familiarise themselves with the new process.

After your first biometric registration, subsequent trips should eventually be much faster, with the system automatically verifying your identity and tracking your 90-day travel allowance, making overstaying a thing of the past.

The EES will cover 29 countries, including all the major destinations like France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

Save this post if you’re travelling to Europe soon.