Greece Joins Schengen Countries in Launching EES for Travelers in October 2025: What You Need to Know

Starting in October 2025, Greece will join Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Austria, and the rest of the Schengen Area in implementing the Entry/Exit System (EES) — a new digital border control system designed to strengthen security and improve travel efficiency for non-EU nationals.

If you're planning to visit the Schengen Zone, here's everything you need to know to prepare for these upcoming changes.

What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES is a centralized EU-wide system that will replace traditional passport stamps for non-EU travelers. Instead, visitors will need to submit biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans, when entering and exiting Schengen countries.

The goal:
✅ Streamline border checks
✅ Enhance security
✅ Prevent overstays

The system will apply to all non-EU nationals, including UK, U.S., Canadian, Australian, and other third-country citizens visiting for short stays.

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Greece: A Key Hub in the EES Rollout

Greece, as a major entry point into southern Europe and a popular destination for global travelers, will play an important role in the EES implementation. Key entry points such as Athens International Airport and Piraeus Port are being upgraded with advanced biometric systems to support the new digital border controls.

Key Updates:

The system applies to non-EU travelers, including those transiting through Greece

Biometric submission (fingerprints and facial scan) will be required at entry and exit.

Traditional passport stamps will be eliminated.

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Visa Requirements for France (and Other Schengen Countries)

✈️ Short-Stay (Schengen) Visa:

• Purpose: Tourism, business, or family visit
• Duration: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
• Documents:
  • Valid passport
  • Travel insurance
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Financial means
  • Return ticket
• Fee: €80 (adults), €40 (minors)

🏠 Long-Stay Visa (National Visa):

• Purpose: Work, study, or family reunification (over 90 days)
• Documents:
  • Health insurance
  • Proof of financial stability
  • Accommodation details
  • Work or study contract

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EES Across the Schengen Area: Country Highlights

🇩🇪 Germany

• Major EES Points: Frankfurt, Munich Airports
• Impact: Enhanced security and reduced overstays
• Note: Possible initial delays during rollout

🇮🇹 Italy

• Major EES Points: Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa
• Focus: Infrastructure upgrades for faster processing
• Benefit: Digitized border system to ease traveler flow

🇪🇸 Spain

• Major EES Points: Barcelona El Prat, Madrid Barajas
• Goal: Replace stamps, secure borders
• Challenge: Potential short-term delays

🇬🇷 Greece

• Major EES Points: Athens Airport, Piraeus Port
• Emphasis: Prevent overstays, enhance entry tracking
• Preparation: Major upgrades underway

🇦🇹 Austria

• Major EES Point: Vienna International Airport
• Implementation: Smooth rollout expected
• Support: Heavy investment in EES infrastructure

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Complete EES & Visa Overview by Country

Here's a quick reference table summarizing key EES entry points, visa types, and fees for all 29 Schengen countries:

Country	EES Entry Points	Visa Type	Fee	Short-Stay	Long-Stay
Austria	Vienna Airport	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days (work/study)
Belgium	Brussels, Antwerp	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Bulgaria	Sofia, Varna	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Croatia	Zagreb, Split	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Czech Republic	Prague Airport	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Denmark	Copenhagen, Billund	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Estonia	Tallinn Airport	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Finland	Helsinki, Oulu	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
France	Paris, Nice	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Germany	Frankfurt, Munich	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Greece	Athens, Piraeus	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Hungary	Budapest	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Iceland	Reykjavik	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Italy	Rome, Milan	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Latvia	Riga	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Liechtenstein	via Switzerland	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Lithuania	Vilnius, Kaunas	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Luxembourg	Luxembourg Airport	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Malta	Malta Airport	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Netherlands	Amsterdam, Rotterdam	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Norway	Oslo, Bergen	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Poland	Warsaw, Kraków	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Portugal	Lisbon, Porto	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Romania	Bucharest, Cluj	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Slovakia	Bratislava	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Slovenia	Ljubljana	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Spain	Barcelona, Madrid	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Sweden	Stockholm, Gothenburg	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days
Switzerland	Zurich, Geneva	Schengen/National	€80/€40	Up to 90 days	Over 90 days

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Final Thoughts

The launch of the Entry/Exit System across France and other Schengen countries marks a major shift in how borders are managed in Europe. While there may be short-term delays during the transition, the long-term benefits include faster processing, improved security, and a more seamless travel experience.

If you're planning a trip to the Schengen Area from October 2025 onward, make sure you're prepared for biometric registration and updated visa procedures.

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