What Do the New EU Rules Mean for Travelers from Serbia?

The European Union is introducing comprehensive changes to border crossing procedures for travelers from non-EU countries, including Serbia. Instead of traditional passport stamping, a new Entry/Exit System (EES) will come into effect in autumn 2025, digitally recording the movements of all visitors from third countries. This digital database will be used at border checkpoints in 29 Schengen countries. Including some of the most popular destinations for Serbian tourists, such as Germany, France, Greece, and Italy. Exceptions include Cyprus and Ireland, which will continue using the old procedures for now.

What Does the EES Track?

The EES functions as an electronic register that collects and processes key information on every entry and exit of foreign nationals. The system will log basic passport details, the time and place of border crossings, as well as biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images. The goal is to ensure accurate tracking of stays within the EU and reduce the risk of overstaying the permitted period.

The system will be introduced in phases. Initial implementation is planned for October 2025, when it will function without biometric components. These features are expected to be added within a few months at most border checkpoints. Passport stamping will be discontinued once the EES becomes fully operational.

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Security, Speed, and Control

EU institutions emphasize that the primary aim of the EES is to enhance border security and efficiency. The new system will enable faster processing of travelers, reduce the risk of abuse, and improve oversight of the duration of foreign visitors’ stays. Additionally, automated tracking of entries and exits will improve migration monitoring and support the fight against illegal stay.

ETIAS: Mandatory Travel Authorization from 2026

Another major change is expected a year later. By the end of 2026, Serbian citizens will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization to enter the Schengen Area. This electronic authorization, similar to the U.S. ESTA system, will be mandatory for all travelers who are visa-exempt.

Applications will be submitted online, and the authorization will cost €7. Without approved ETIAS authorization, entry into EU member states will not be possible, even if the traveler is exempt from having a visa.

Temporary Exceptions in Emergency Situations

Although the changes aim for complete digitalization of border control, member states retain the right to temporarily disable the EES system at certain border crossings in exceptional circumstances. Such as technical issues or major traffic congestion. These measures will be applied only when necessary to maintain traffic flow and border functionality.

What Does This Mean for Travelers from Serbia?

For Serbian citizens planning to travel to the EU, these systems bring a new reality. Manual passport stamping will become a thing of the past, and border crossing will become part of a unified digital process requiring advance preparation. That is primarily in the form of ETIAS registration and timely information about how the EES functions.

Serbian citizens are advised to follow all official updates and announcements regarding timelines and procedures to smoothly adapt to the new rules and avoid potential complications at the border.

Conclusion: Border Changes Bring More Security, but Also New Obligations

The introduction of EES and ETIAS is part of a broader European effort to modernize border management and ensure a high level of security. For travelers from Serbia, this marks the end of old routines and the beginning of an era of digital travel monitoring. With proper preparation, transitioning into this new phase can be smooth and stress-free. That is only if the new rules of the game are adopted in time.

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