🛃 At the border, biometrics, EES/ETIAS, what to expect in 2025–2026

Border control is the last thing you need to do to get ready. In 2025, we will start using EES instead of stamps and launch ETIAS. Let's break it down: what questions are usually asked at the border and what to expect from the new systems.

🛂 What questions are asked at the Finnish border?

At the Finnish border, things are usually calm and organised. The border guard may ask why you are visiting, how long you will be staying, where you will be living and how you will pay for your trip. Sometimes they also ask to see your medical insurance, return ticket, accommodation booking or return itinerary.

The most important thing is to answer calmly and honestly, referring to your documents rather than your memory. If you have a hotel reservation, tickets, insurance and a basic amount of money on your card, the check usually takes a few minutes and goes smoothly without any unnecessary questions.

📬 Will they stamp my passport?

At the border, they still use regular stamps, but the EU is slowly starting to use the EES (Entry/Exit System). This is an electronic database where information about people entering and leaving the country is recorded. This means that over time, stamps will become an additional tool rather than the main one, and all your entries and exits will be recorded automatically.

When you cross the border for the first time after the EES launch, it's best to allow a bit more time for the process. The system is new, so there might be queues and extra checks at first.

📊 What is EES and how does it affect the 90/180 rule?

EES is a common EU database that will contain data on border crossings for anyone not living in the Schengen area. In the past, border guards used stamps and made calculations by hand. Now, the system calculates how many days you have spent in the Schengen area over the last 180 days.

This means two things for you:

• You can no longer 'lose' a stamp or claim that someone forgot to stamp your passport.
• You need to plan your trips more carefully so that you don't break the 90/180 rule. The system records everything automatically.

You don't need to do anything special, as long as you don't abuse the system and stick to the rules about how long you can stay.

🧬 Will they take your fingerprints at the border because of the EES?

Many people are worried that fingerprints will be taken at the border again. You already give your biometric data when you apply for a visa. As part of the EES, border guards check your passport and visa against the system's data. This data already contains your travel history and biometric information.

This means that you won't be taken to have your photo taken again and again when entering the country. The procedure is still the same: passport and visa checks, sometimes a couple of clarifying questions, and supporting documents if necessary.

🌍 Will ETIAS be required in 2025?

As of 2025, ETIAS does not apply to travellers with a visa or residence permit. The ETIAS system is a separate electronic authorisation that will be required for visa-free travellers (those who do not currently need a visa) to enter the EU.

Important note: there is a lot of false information about ETIAS, including websites that offer to 'buy admission in advance'. Only use official EU resources and do not pay for anything if you are not sure about the source.

📄 What to show if asked for ‘proof of purpose’?

Sometimes border guards want to make sure that the purpose of your trip matches what is written on your visa and application form. If you have any 'traces' of your plans, they could be useful. This includes:

• hotel or apartment reservations;
• invitations from friends, partners or companies;
• letters confirming registration for a conference or event;
• medical insurance policy;
• bank statements or income certificates.

It's a good idea to have a folder with PDFs on your phone and several important documents in paper form, such as your booking and insurance.

✅If the visa is valid, will I be allowed to enter automatically?

Even if your visa is perfect, it doesn't automatically mean you can enter the country. The border service is the final decision maker. But actually, if you have:

• a valid visa;
• a clear purpose for your trip;
• a reasonable itinerary and booking;
• enough money for the trip.

In this case, the check usually goes smoothly. The best thing you can do is prepare your documents, stay calm, and answer the questions honestly and briefly.

🧳 How can you prepare for the introduction of the EES in practical terms?

When the EES is fully up and running, the first few months can be a bit busy: people are getting used to it, the systems are being fine-tuned, and staff are 'testing' the new procedures. Here's how to make things go smoothly:

• Arrive at the border with plenty of time to spare.
• Keep all your important documents in one place, not scattered across different bags.
• Save your airport reservations and tickets offline before you leave.
• Keep an eye on announcements from the airport, airline, and official channels.

If we can just be a little calmer at the start, any changes to the border will be seen as a normal update to the rules, rather than a stressful quest.

EES will get rid of the 'paper' factor and make the countdown automatic. Your job is to give clear answers and documents that are correct. The story of 2026 is about ETIAS.