Q COSTARICA — The new border control system for digitally registering foreigners entering the Schengen area came into force on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
The so-called European Entry/Exit System (EES) will digitally record the entries and exits of third-country nationals traveling for short stays to 29 European countries, including those associated with the Schengen Agreement.
It will also capture biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial images, and other travel information, gradually replacing the current passport stamp.
After entering into force on Sunday, the system will be fully implemented at all border crossings within six months.
The EES is part of the European package of “smart” border measures, which aims to improve the management of the EU’s external borders through the use of new technologies.
For Danish Minister of Immigration and Integration Rasmus Stoklund, the country that currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union Council, the aim is to “prevent terrorists and irregular migrants from illegally entering the Schengen area,” according to a statement from the European institution itself.
“It is crucial that we maintain effective control over third-country nationals entering the Schengen area to strengthen security at the external borders. With an EU-wide IT system, it will be easier to monitor who crosses our borders,” he added.
The system was launched on Sunday at Adolfo Suárez-Madrid Barajas Airport, in Spain, among others, where 1,819 passengers have registered through the SES, according to authorities.
The Schengen countries are all EU countries (except Ireland and Cyprus) as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
For Costa Ricans, this means that every time they arrive in or depart from Europe, their travel details will be electronically logged. The goal is to make border checks more efficient and secure, helping European authorities better track short stays and prevent overstays.
While it might feel a bit more formal, the process itself won’t be much different for travelers. They still need to have their travel documents ready, but instead of a passport stamp, their entry and exit will be recorded digitally. This can speed up border controls and reduce queues in the long run.
One thing Costa Rican travelers should keep in mind is to always keep track of their allowed duration of stay in the Schengen Area, which is usually 90 days within any 180-day period. Since the EES will precisely monitor how long visitors stay, overstaying could lead to fines or future travel bans.
In short, the EES aims to make travel safer and smoother, but it also means Costa Rican visitors should be mindful of the time they spend in Europe to avoid any complications.
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