by InTrieste
Starting Monday, October 20, Trieste Airport will introduce the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border control mechanism designed to modernize and secure travel across the Schengen Area.
The system, which will first apply to passengers arriving from non-EU countries, marks a significant shift from manual passport stamping to fully electronic registration. Under the EES, the entry and exit of travelers from outside the European Union will be automatically recorded, replacing traditional passport stamps with biometric and digital data.
According to EU officials, the system aims to make border checks faster and more efficient while enhancing the security of the Schengen Zone. The EES applies exclusively to nationals of non-EU countries who are entering the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Citizens of EU member states and Schengen-associated countries—including Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein—will not be affected.
The rollout will take place gradually, allowing passengers and airport staff to adapt to the new procedures before full implementation across all EU airports on April 10, 2026.
How the New System Works
For travelers from outside the EU, the new procedure involves several digital verification steps at passport control:
- Scanning the passport at a self-service kiosk in the airport;
- Taking a facial photograph using the kiosk’s camera;
- Recording fingerprints through a dedicated scanner;
- Completing a final verification, either at an automated e-Gate or with a border police officer.
These data will be collected the first time a traveler crosses an external Schengen border and stored electronically for subsequent entries and exits.
During the initial phase, only a limited number of passengers will use the system. Airport officials have noted that minor delays may occur as travelers familiarize themselves with the new process. Additional staff will be on hand to assist passengers and ensure a smooth transition.
For more information on the Entry/Exit System, travelers can visit the European Union’s official website at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/it/ees.
