10 October 2025, Chișinău – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs citizens of the Republic of Moldova that, starting Sunday, 12 October 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will become operational across the European Union. This modern electronic border management tool will be implemented at the EU’s external borders, including land crossings, airports, and seaports.
The EES applies only to third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) making short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) in the EU. The system will record the date and place of entry and exit, collect alphanumeric and biometric data (facial image and four fingerprints), and automatically calculate the legal duration of stay.
EU countries will introduce EES gradually at their external borders, with full implementation expected by 10 April 2026. During the transitional period (approximately six months), passports will continue to be stamped manually.
The system aims to modernize and streamline border control, strengthen security within the Schengen area, and prevent illegal stays, without changing existing travel rights.
Upon the first entry after the system becomes active, biometric data will be collected. For subsequent trips, verification will be automatic, reducing waiting times. Exceptions apply to children under 12 years old, persons for whom fingerprinting is not possible, and holders of residence permits or long-term visas issued by an EU member state.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds citizens that the visa-free regime for Moldovan nationals remains unchanged. However, since data collection may require additional time, travelers are advised to:
- Check the validity of travel documents;
- Allow extra time for border formalities;
- Avoid short layovers.
The gradual introduction of the system will be managed individually by each EU member state. In this context, citizens are recommended to consult in advance the websites of border authorities and the embassies in the Republic of Moldova of the EU member states they plan to visit.
Example – Romania: Entry/Exit System (EES) - Main | Poliția de Frontieră
EU platform: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ro/ees
