The new Entry/Exit System (EES) and Croatia from October 2025
As of 12th October 2025, the EU’s new Entry/Exit System will start being rolled out in Croatia and other EU countries. This has been in the works for some time now (it was due to be implemented about a year ago – I wrote about it in The new Entry/Exit System and Croatia), but it is now finally going live. Find out what it means for you when travelling to Croatia and the rest of the EU, and what you actually have to do about it.
When will the new Entry/Exit System start?
The Entry/Exit System will finally start being rolled out at Croatian borders and other EU borders from 12th October 2025. This will be a gradual rollout, with full implementation across the Schengen Zone expected by 10th April 2026.
Who is the Entry/Exit System for?
The Entry/Exit System will only apply for visa-exempt travellers to Croatia and the EU – such as those of you travelling from the U.S., the UK, Australia, New Zealand and similar – OR for those of you who hold short-stay Schengen visas.
EU travellers will not need to take part in EES, and can continue to travel to Croatia as before. You can still travel using just your country’s ID card, if you wish!
What does the Entry/Exit System involve? Do I have to do something ahead of time when travelling?
You do not have to do anything ahead of time for the EES.
The above-mentioned travellers to Croatia and the rest of the EU will now need to have their fingerprints and their photo taken at the border when entering the Schengen Zone, as well as providing their passport details. Of course, you only need to provide this information the first time you enter the Schengen Zone after 12th October. On subsequent visits, your details will be checked against the information you first provided.
As you can imagine, this will likely cause longer queues at each border into the Schengen Zone. Be prepared for this – I expect uproar against this EU measure in certain British newspapers!
So what does this mean when I travel to Croatia?
The next time you visit Croatia – after 12th October 2025 – you will likely need to provide the above information when entering the country.
Is this the same thing as ETIAS?
No, the EES is NOT the same thing as ETIAS.
Once the EES is up and running in full across the Schengen Zone, ETIAS will be rolled out in the near future. ETIAS is something that you have to be aware of and obtain before travelling. This is essentially the EU’s visa waiver programme – much like the ESTA that exists for the United States. This pre-screening service will require you to submit your personal details and travel information online before travelling, as well as requiring you to pay a fee.
ETIAS is not yet being introduced, but is expected to come into effect at the end of 2026.
More info
You can find out more about the Entry/Exit System on the European Union website at travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees. Travellers from the UK may also like to look at the advice on the Foreign Office website.
As I mentioned, I also wrote about the new system quite extensively about a year ago – do read The new Entry/Exit System and Croatia as there is a fair amount of useful information there, such as why EES is being introduced.
Happy travelling!
