EES Is Here — What South African Travellers Should Know

The European Union’s Entry Exit System (EES) went live on 12 October 2025, marking a major change to how non-EU travellers are processed at the border. The days of passport stamps are coming to an end — instead, each entry and exit will be recorded electronically, alongside biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans.

The EES aims to streamline border control and tighten monitoring of short-stay visits, but it will take some time to adjust. Importantly, the rollout is not happening at every airport all at once. Large hubs like Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Amsterdam are among the first to implement the system, while other airports will phase it in later. Even within the same country, the process may differ from airport to airport. At some borders, travellers will use kiosks with staff support; at others, the process will remain manual at passport control booths.

For South African passport holders, there’s another difference: because SA passports don’t have biometric chips, you cannot use the self-service kiosks. Registration will need to be done in person with a border officer. The first time may take longer, but once your details are captured, the system will recognise you on future trips, avoiding repeated registration.

Travellers should be prepared for delays and longer queues, especially during the six-month rollout period. To avoid unnecessary stress, allow extra time for connections, transfers, or tours. Keep in mind that once the system is fully established, it should make border crossings smoother and reduce the risk of overstays.

Our advice: stay patient, plan ahead, and be aware that your experience may vary depending on which airport you land in.

👉 Learn more: Travel News SA