Italy begins new EU border system tests: Florence, Pisa, Livorno to follow

A major change is coming to border control procedures across Europe. Starting Sunday, October 12, a new Entry/Exit System (EES) will gradually replace passport stamps with digital checks that collect biometric and personal data from all non-EU travelers, including UK citizens, entering the Schengen Area for short stays.

What is the EES and when does it start?

Although the official launch date is set for October 12, 2025, implementation will be gradual until April 9, 2026. The first testing phase in Italy will begin at Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, and Rome Fiumicino airports, along with the ports of Civitavecchia and Genoa. These hubs are already testing electronic fingerprint and photo collection systems.

Starting October 20, about 10% of passengers crossing external EU borders will be processed through the new system, with full coverage expected by April 2026, according to EU Regulation 2025/1534 published on July 23.

Airports in Florence and Pisa, as well as the port of Livorno, will introduce the new procedures at a later stage once the national rollout is complete.

How does the new system work?

The EES will record biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) and replace manual passport stamping. It will apply to non-EU nationals staying in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, including tourists, business travelers, and cross-border visitors.

During the first trip after the system’s launch, travelers will need to register fingerprints and a photo at a border control booth, self-service kiosk, or via a mobile app (where available). Children under 12 will only have their photo taken. Once registered, future crossings should be faster, as the system will simply verify stored data.

Electronic passport holders can use automated e-gates, recognizable by a gold camera icon on their passports. However, travelers should expect longer queues in the early weeks as the new technology is phased in.

Which countries are involved?

The system will operate in 25 EU Schengen countries—including Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Greece, and Portugal—as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Ireland and Cyprus are excluded: Ireland remains part of the Common Travel Area with the UK.

All data collected will be processed by eu-LISA, the European IT agency headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, which manages large-scale security and migration databases.

Nothing to prepare before departure

Travelers do not need to complete any online form or register in advance. The new procedure will be handled directly at the border upon arrival. Most airports will still use the traditional passport stamping system during the transition, although countries such as Estonia, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic plan to switch fully to EES from day one—provided the system can handle the expected data load.

ETIAS to follow in 2026

Another major change is coming next year with the introduction of ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), a pre-travel authorization similar to the US ESTA. Non-EU travelers will need to apply online before departure, pay a €20 fee, and obtain a three-year authorization (or until their passport expires). Those under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from payment.

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