19/09/2025
By Helen Daniilidou
What is the EES?
- The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin operations on 12 October 2025.
- It’s meant to digitally record entries/exits of non-EU nationals at external Schengen borders, replacing passport stamping. Biometric data (fingerprint + photo) will be collected at certain border crossings.
- Full deployment is phased in over 6 months, with the goal of being fully operational by 10 April 2026 at all external border points.
Does it apply to Cyprus (airports / ports / land crossings)?
No — Cyprus is not joining the EES on 12 October 2025 for its airports or ports, because it is not yet operating under full Schengen border rules. Passport stamps will continue to be used in Cyprus under the current setup.
- Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Area yet.
- Because of that, EES does not apply to Cyprus’s borders (airports, seaports, etc.) — at least not under the current rules.
- For example, the UK’s GOV.UK guidance confirms that EES applies to Schengen member states (or those external Schengen borders), but explicitly notes that “Cyprus and Ireland, despite being countries of the European Union, passports are still stamped manually.” GOV.UK
