On 12 October 2025, Slovenia and other EU countries will start implementing the Entry/Exit System (EES) at the external Schengen border, in accordance with Regulations (EU) 2017/2226 and 2025/1534. The new border management system will be introduced gradually, with full implementation by 10 April 2026, and will make travelling to Europe easier and border checks more efficient.
Watch the video
Advantages of the new system
The current practice of often time-consuming manual passport stamping upon entry into and exit from the Schengen area will be largely replaced by a fully automated digital system. The system will modernise border checks by electronically registering entry, exit, and refusal of entry data of third-country nationals. Border checks will also include the verification of biometric identifiers of travellers crossing the external Schengen border.
This will increase the effectiveness of border controls in the fight against cross-border and organised crime, terrorism, identity fraud, and illegal residence across the European Union.
The EES will be phased in gradually over six months
Slovenia will gradually introduce the Entry/Exit System at border crossing points on its external Schengen border, i.e. at three border crossing points for international air traffic (Ljubljana-Brnik, Maribor-Slivnica, and Portorož) and at two border crossing points for international maritime traffic (Koper and Piran).
The system will roll out gradually from 12 October 2025, with full implementation by 10 April 2026, when it will be fully operational in all member states.
During the gradual rollout of the system, travellers who are required to use the Entry/Exit System (i.e. third-country nationals who enter the Schengen area on the basis of a visa or who do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period) can expect their data and biometric identifiers to be used for entry into the system while at the same time they will get a stamp in their travel document.
From 10 April 2026, this will be a mandatory part of border control for third-country nationals, who will be required to use the system each time they cross the state border. Slovenia will use the Entry/Exit System at border crossings on the external Schengen border, when checking the legality of third-country nationals' stay in Slovenia, in the work of administrative units and asylum authorities (issuing residence permits), at Slovenian diplomatic and consular missions abroad , and in the operation of the ETIAS system of travel authorisations.
During border checks the biometric data will also be collected for the examination of entry conditions
In addition to travellers' personal data, biometric identifiers (facial image and 4-finger fingerprint) will also be stored in the Entry/Exit System. They will be used to verify and confirm the identity of travellers each time they cross an external Schengen border or when checking the legality of their stay within the EU, as well as when issuing residence permits at administrative units or visas at diplomatic or consular missions of member states.
The rights of the individual with regard to processing of personal data in the Entry/Exit SystemTravellers' biometric data will be collected directly during border checks at the external borders, and travellers will be required to enable the collection of their data. For more information see:
|
Carriers will use an app to check travellers
With the entry into operation of the Entry/Exit System, all carriers transporting travellers across the external Schengen border will be required to verify the personal data of travellers the EES applies to and whether they fulfil the requirements to enter and stay in the territory of the member states using a special app that will be developed for carriers by the EU. Travellers will have to provide the carrier (driver or staff) with the information necessary for verification when boarding the means of transport. For more information see: A brochure for carriers about their responsibilities in the EES system
EES will not directly impact other travellers
Slovenian citizens and citizens of other EU and Schengen countries and their family members, as well as third-country nationals who are legally resident in the EU, will not use the Entry/Exit System. Special border control lanes will be used for the EES, so that the implementation of this system will not have a direct impact on other travellers.
Related content
For more information visit the official EES website: Entry/Exit System (EES)
An official brochure with info on the EES
State border control and compensatory measures
Border crossings and Schengen regime in Slovenia
