Entry/Exit Systemset to launch in Salzburg this November
Starting 12 October 2025, the European Union will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES) in 29 Schengen countries. Instead of a passport stamp, travellers from outside the EU will have their details logged digitally, including fingerprints and a facial photograph. The aim is to improve border checks, keep record of short stays, and reduce cases of people remaining beyond their permitted time. Salzburg Airport is among the first locations preparing for its introduction.
From 12 November 2025, EES procedures will be operational at Salzburg Airport. Checks will take place at the non-Schengen entry gates in the arrivals terminal, with a separate "EES satellite" created for peak travel times, particularly during the winter season. The general aviation terminal has already been technically adapted. Longer queues may initially occur as first-time registrations will include both fingerprints and a photo. Later, e-gates and self-service kiosks are expected to speed up the process.
According to the European Commission and EU-LISA, the agency responsible for managing large-scale IT systems in justice and security, EES will automatically record all border crossings, storing names, dates of birth, passport details, and biometric identifiers. It will also monitor the 90/180-day rule that limits short stays for non-EU visitors. This new framework will provide a digital history of entries and exits, simplifying border checks once registration is complete.
EES will cover visitors from outside the EU who enter with a short-stay visa or without one under visa-free rules. The system does not cover EU and EFTA citizens, those with residence permits or long-term visas in the Schengen area, or nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican. British citizens covered by the Withdrawal Agreement are also exempt, though dual nationals need to use their EU or EFTA passport to skip registration.
For those arriving in Salzburg, the introduction of EES will mean some changes at the border, but it also supports smoother travel in the longer term. With improved systems and new infrastructure at the airport, international visitors will continue to enjoy direct access to Salzburg’s cultural landmarks, winter resorts, and alpine surroundings, while the city strengthens its position as a key entry point to Austria and the wider region.