The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ghana, has alerted Ghanaian citizens planning to visit the Schengen Area about the phased introduction of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES). The digital framework is set to replace traditional passport stamping with automated biometric verification.
In a statement released yesterday, the Ministry revealed that the EES, established under Regulation (EC) No. 2017/2226, began its gradual rollout on October 12, 2025, and is anticipated to be fully operational today.
The EES will impact non-EU nationals entering or leaving the external borders of Schengen countries for short visits. Its primary goal is to bolster border security while facilitating smoother travel experiences by electronically logging entry and exit information.
The system will gather essential traveller details, including biometric identifiers like facial images and fingerprints, in addition to passport information and records of entry, exit, or denial of access.
The Ministry also noted that the implementation timeline may differ among member states based on their technical and operational readiness, adhering to EU directives.
Certain categories of travellers will not be subject to the EES. These exemptions include individuals holding residence permits and long-stay visas, specific family members of EU citizens, diplomatic and official travellers under certain conditions, as well as those involved in designated international assignments such as research, training, or educational exchange programmes.
Additionally, NATO personnel on official duty, cross-border workers, and specific rail transit passengers who remain within designated areas of the EU are also exempt.
The Ministry encourages Ghanaian nationals planning trips to the EU or Schengen Area to familiarize themselves with this new system and comply with all revised entry requirements.
Reiterating its commitment to protecting the interests of Ghanaian travellers abroad, the Ministry urged citizens to stay informed through official channels as the EES is progressively rolled out across Europe.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong