Today, Prague Airport is launching the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES). Third-country nationals will henceforth have to register their entry and exit digitally, which may result in longer waiting times at border controls.
From 12 October 2025, travellers from third countries should expect longer waits at entry and exit checks at European airports. The reason is the introduction of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES).
The EES replaces the previous manual stamping of passports with digital entries and biometric checks – including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. The system records the time and place of entry and exit for all third-country nationals staying in the Schengen Area for a short stay (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
At Prague Airport, third-country nationals are asked to first register at one of the self-service kiosks in the arrivals area and only then proceed to the border control.
Those exempt from the registration requirement include:
- Holders of residence permits or long-stay visas
- Aircraft crew
- Travellers with limited mobility or orientation
- Children under 12 years old or under 140 cm in height
- Persons without a biometric passport
EU citizens – including nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – should use the lanes marked for EU/EEA/CH to avoid delays.
Further information and frequently asked questions are available on the official EU Entry/Exit System (EES) website.
