What is changing for Australian travellers?
From October 12, Australians heading to the Schengen Zone should prepare for a new border experience. The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace passport stamps with biometric data collection at external borders. The system records passport details, travel documents, facial images and fingerprints, along with entry and exit dates, to create a digital trail of movement for short stays of 90 days or less.
Previously, Australians could rely on traditional passport stamping on arrival. Under the EES, travellers register digitally at a kiosk or border counter when they first arrive. While subsequent crossings should be streamlined, the initial border process may take longer as staff and travellers adapt to the new system.
Which countries are affected?
The EES applies at the external borders of the Schengen Zone, which includes 29 countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Switzerland, Iceland and the Netherlands. The United Kingdom is not part of Schengen and retains its own border procedures.
Privacy and security concerns
Personal data collected by the EES is accessible to border, visa and immigration authorities across Schengen countries, as well as law enforcement agencies and Europol. Records of entries and exits are kept for up to three years, while individual biometric files can be stored for a little over three years. International law experts warn about future data security risks amid rising cyber threats and the broader question of how long personal data is retained.
Travelers are advised to understand how their information will be stored and used. Some experts emphasise that, if the data is managed correctly, the EES can improve border efficiency; if not, it could raise serious privacy concerns. Australians who value control over their biometric information may wish to review consent terms and stay informed about any changes to data handling policies.
What happens if you refuse to provide data?
Refusal to provide biometric data will result in denied entry into Schengen countries. Travellers are informed in advance that biometric collection is required, and non-compliance will bar entry.
Should travellers expect delays?
Delays are likely in the first weeks of the rollout, as both travellers and staff adjust to the new process. Officials warn queues could be longer than usual during initial border checks, especially for the first border crossing in the Schengen Zone. The introduction of additional e-gate processing may ease pressure over time, but the early phase is expected to be bumpy in busy hubs like the London to Paris or Rome corridors and at major transit points within the Schengen area.
Tips for Australians heading to Europe
- Arrive early at the airport and allow extra time for border checks during the initial rollout.
- Have your travel documents ready and ensure your electronic registrations are complete on arrival where required.
- Use official government portals or trusted travel agents to manage biometrics and borders information to avoid fraud.
- Monitor DFAT advisories for travel impacts and possible disruptions during peak travel periods.
Scams to watch for
Fraudulent websites posing as official portals are a risk. Always use official government sites, official airline links, or accredited travel agents for biometric data submissions and visa information to avoid scams and improper charges.
When it comes to long-term impact
As the EES becomes more established, border processing could become more efficient, reducing wait times for frequent travellers. The system is part of a broader push toward digital border management, a trend noted by international law experts as a growing standard in how travellers’ movements are recorded and accessed for security and compliance.
