Attention Travelers: The Netherlands Is Changing Its Border Rules—Here’s What to Expect From October 12
Planning a trip to Amsterdam, The Hague, or anywhere else in the Netherlands this autumn? Be prepared for a new step in your arrival process. Starting on October 12, 2025, the Netherlands—along with 28 other European countries—will begin rolling out a major digital upgrade to its border control: the Entry/Exit System (EES).
This change is a big deal for non-European Union (EU) travelers and will fundamentally change how your movements in and out of the Schengen Area are tracked. Here is everything you need to know about the new requirements and how they will impact your trip.
The End of Passport Stamps
The biggest change is the gradual demise of the manual passport stamp. The new EES is an automated information technology (IT) system designed to digitally register non-EU nationals traveling for a short stay (maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period).
When you cross the external border of the Netherlands (upon arrival and departure), the EES will now record:
- Your personal data from your travel document.
- The date and place of your entry and exit.
- Your biometric data, specifically your facial image and fingerprints.
This information will be stored securely in an EU-wide digital system. The goal is to modernize borders, enhance security, and more efficiently track travelers to prevent overstaying the 90-day limit.
Who Will This Affect?
The new EES rules apply to all non-EU nationals traveling to the Netherlands for a short stay, regardless of whether you currently need a visa. This includes travelers from visa-exempt countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, among others.
You are exempt from the EES if you are:
- A national of an EU country (or Cyprus and Ireland).
- A non-EU national who holds a residence card or residence permit in a Schengen country.
What to Expect at the Border
The rollout will be gradual, running for six months until April 10, 2026, when the system is expected to be fully operational at all border points. During this phase-in period, here’s what travelers can expect:
- Biometric Data Collection: On your first entry after October 12, you will be required to have your fingerprints and a photo of your face taken at the border. Children under 12 are generally exempt from fingerprinting but may still require a facial scan.
- Longer Waits (Initially): Because this is a brand-new process requiring the collection of biometrics, expect lines at the border to be longer than usual in the initial stages. The Dutch authorities, like others in Europe, are preparing for this increase in processing time.
- Future Expedited Service: Once your biometrics are recorded in the system, future entries are expected to be quicker. If you have an electronic passport (ePassport), you may be able to use self-service kiosks at some border points to expedite the process after your initial registration.
- No More Manual Counting: The EES automatically calculates your maximum allowed stay (90 days in 180). If you overstay, the system will flag you, and you could face penalties, including fines or future entry bans.
Essential Passport Validity Reminder
While the EES is a new digital hurdle, the existing physical passport requirements remain crucial for all non-EU travelers entering the Netherlands:
- Issue Date: Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you enter the Netherlands.
- Expiration Date: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area.
If your passport was renewed early, check both the issue and expiration dates to ensure you meet both requirements.
Conclusion
The Netherlands’ shift to the Entry/Exit System on October 12 marks a significant step toward a more centralized and digitized border management system in Europe. While this upgrade is designed for long-term security and efficiency, visitors in the immediate future should plan for potential delays and be prepared to provide their biometric information as part of the new process. Staying aware of these changes and double-checking your passport validity will ensure a smoother start to your Dutch adventure.
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Disclaimer
This information is based on the official guidelines for the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) as adopted by the Netherlands. Travelers should always check the most current information directly with the Government of the Netherlands ([https://www.government.nl/topics/holidays−and−travels/ees](https://www.government.nl/topics/holidays−and−travels/ees)) or their home country’s foreign office before travel, as rules and implementation schedules can be subject to change. The phased rollout means that initial experiences at border points may vary.
