New entry rules in the Schengen Zone: what changes for Australians
From October 12, Australians travelling to Europe face a shift in border control practices with the introduction of the European Union’s electronic Entry/Exit System (EES). In 29 Schengen countries, including popular destinations like France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Switzerland, Iceland and the Netherlands, biometric data will replace traditional passport stamps for short stays of up to 90 days. The aim is to speed up future border crossings and to tighten controls against overstays, but the rollout is expected to cause longer queues in the initial period.
How the EES works for non-EU travellers
Under the EES, travellers must register digitally at a border kiosk or counter on their first arrival. The system collects passport details, travel documents, facial images, fingerprints, and entry/exit dates, storing this information electronically. On subsequent crossings, border checks should be faster because some data will already be in the system.
For Australians, who typically enjoy visa-free stays of up to 90 days in the Schengen Zone, the shift means interaction at the border will involve biometric enrollment rather than passport stamping. The intent is to better identify overstayers and bolster border security across the external borders of the Schengen Area.
What travellers should know about data use and privacy
Border, visa and immigration authorities in Schengen states, along with law enforcement and Europol, can access the data stored in the EES. The EU notes that records of entries, exits and refusals are kept for three years, while individual biometric files can be retained for three years and one day. Privacy advocates raise concerns about how this data is stored, secured, and used, especially given rising incidents of data breaches across both public and private sectors.
Australian law scholar Professor Donald Rothwell of the Australian National University emphasises the balance between efficiency and rights. He notes that while robust data systems can improve border management, the security of stored biometric data remains a paramount concern. “The more significant human rights issue is the storage of this data and the security with respect to this data,” he cautions, highlighting potential risks if protections fail or if data is accessed improperly.
Practical impacts for Australian travellers
Officials warn that the first weeks of the EES rollout could see longer queues, particularly in busy hubs and in major capitals where multiple border points converge. Travel industry representatives warn that any new system often comes with a learning curve for both staff and travellers. ATIA’s Dean Long points out that “when there’s the introduction of a new system, delays are likely,” and that travelers might miss notifications or feel stressed as staff adjust to the changes.
For travellers using high-traffic routes, such as the Eurostar from London’s St Pancras station, delays could occur at departure halls and entry checkpoints until e-gate processing is fully established. As borders modernise, some travellers may also experience confusion about where to register and what documentation to present, underscoring the value of early preparation.
What to do before you travel
Experts urge Australians to treat the EES enrollment as a priority on arrival—arriving early at the border to complete the digital registration and biometric enrollment can reduce delays later in the trip. Stay informed through official government portals or trusted travel channels to avoid fraudulent sites that mimic official pages and could compromise personal data.
To minimise risk and hassles:
- Have your passport and travel documents ready for enrollment at the border.
- Use official government websites or accredited agents for updates and guidance.
- Be prepared for possible longer lines in the first weeks of rollout.
Final considerations: security, privacy, and travel planning
As the EES becomes more common across global border regimes, travellers should weigh the benefits of streamlined processing against privacy concerns. Professor Rothwell notes that the “gold standard” in traveler data collection could bring efficiencies at the border if implemented with strong safeguards. He also reminds travellers that refusal to provide biometric data will result in denial of entry, a reminder that the system requires informed participation.
In the meantime, Australians planning trips to Europe should monitor advisories from DFAT and stay prepared for potential delays as border agencies fine-tune the EES workflow. With thoughtful preparation and awareness of privacy considerations, the transition to biometric entry can be navigated smoothly.
