Travelling to Italy from October 2025 will look a little different. The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will modernize border checks across all Schengen countries, including Italy. Here’s everything you need to know before your trip.

Travelling to Italy from October 2025 will look a little different. The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will modernize border checks across all Schengen countries, including Italy. Here’s everything you need to know before your trip.

Travelling to Italy from October 2025 will look a little different. The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will modernize border checks across all Schengen countries, including Italy. Here’s everything you need to know before your trip.

Biometric data (facial photo + fingerprints on first registration).

Automatic record of entry and exit dates.

Three-year enrolment validity, speeding up future trips.

This makes border checks faster, more secure, and reduces errors in passport stamping.

12 October 2025 → First phase (coaches at Dover, Eurotunnel freight, some Eurostar routes).

1 November 2025 onwards → Gradual rollout to more travellers.

10 April 2026 → Fully operational at all Schengen border points.

Yes. Italy, as part of the Schengen Zone, must implement EES across:

Airports (Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, etc.)

Seaports (cruise/ferry arrivals)

Land borders with non-Schengen countries (e.g., Switzerland crossings).

If it’s your first trip after EES launches, expect a few extra steps:

Scan passport at a self-service kiosk.

Provide fingerprints (not required for under-12s).

Have a facial photo taken.

Answer quick questions about accommodation, return ticket, and funds.

👉 Registration is valid for three years, so repeat visits will be faster.

Flying to Italy → Register upon arrival at the airport.

Eurostar / Dover / Eurotunnel → Register in the UK before departure (French border police operate there).

Rome Fiumicino (FCO): Extra 15–20 mins for kiosks.

Milan Malpensa (MXP): Expect queues in October–November.

Venice (VCE): Dedicated EES lanes signposted.

Naples (NAP): Manual booths may still assist during rollout.

👉 Always follow “Non-EU / UK passports” signs.

Under 12s → Only face photo required.

Ages 12–17 → Full enrolment, same as adults.

Families can use kiosks together, with staff assistance if needed.

Yes, especially:

Dover & St Pancras → Space limitations may cause bottlenecks.

Italian airports → Generally better equipped, but allow 30–40 extra minutes for your first post-EES trip.

Enrol early → Covers all trips for 3 years.

Download the Frontex “Travel to Europe” app to pre-fill details.

Once registered, border crossing time should be similar to today.

Data stored for 3 years (5 years if overstaying).

Used only by border authorities.

Automatically deleted after expiry.

No. The rule remains: you cannot spend more than 90 days in any 180-day period inside Schengen. The EES just automates this calculation.

Transition period → Passports may still be stamped.

Once fully rolled out, stamps disappear entirely.

Automatically deleted after expiry.

Not in place yet: Scheduled for late 2026.

€20 fee for UK travellers (valid 3 years).

Under 18s and 71+ → Apply but no fee.

Flights to Italy: Register on arrival. Add 15–20 mins.

Eurostar (London–Paris/Brussels): 49 kiosks at St Pancras. Arrive earlier.

Flights to Italy: Register on arrival. Add 15–20 mins.

Eurostar (London–Paris/Brussels): 49 kiosks at St Pancras. Arrive earlier.

The EU Entry/Exit System Italy is a big change for travellers from October 2025, but it’s designed to make journeys smoother in the long run. While the first trip may involve extra steps and queues, once enrolled, your future visits will be quicker and easier. With a little preparation, your Italian holiday will remain as enjoyable as ever.

👉 For official updates, check the European Commission EES page.