Introduction of the EES system starts at border crossings of Bulgaria

On October 12, 2025, the phased introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) at the border crossings of Bulgaria begins. The system will apply to citizens of non-EU countries who travel to European countries using the EES for a short-term stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, regardless of whether they need a short-term visa.

In Bulgaria, the EES will be introduced in phases, the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reads. Initially, on October 12, 2025, it will be introduced at all border crossing points at the country's air and sea borders. At the land borders it will be initially introduced only at the Kalotina crossing point with Serbia. By the beginning of 2026, the system will be launched at the remaining land border crossings.

The EES is fully automated and digital, largely replacing the stamping of passports. The EES will store records of the arrival and departure dates of non-EU nationals, their biometric data and data from their travel documents. Refusals of entry will also be recorded in the system.