Saudi Gazette report

ROME — The Saudi Embassy in Italy called on all citizens arriving in Italy to review the details of the new European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) and adhere to its new procedures. The EES is a digital border check system which will keep track of non-EU citizens who enter and exit Europe’s Schengen zone. The new automated biometric system will replace usual passport procedures effective from Sunday, October 12.

The embassy explained that the new system aims to record passport data and biometric characteristics of those arriving in Italy from outside the European Union, noting that a Schengen visa is still required for entry to Italy and other Schengen Zone countries. It explained that the only change under this system is the electronic registration of arrival data upon arrival, including passport information and biometrics.

The embassy also reminded citizens of the need to adhere to the conditions of Schengen tourist visas, which allow their holders to stay in Schengen Zone countries for a period not exceeding 90 days within every 180-day period. The Schengen Zone is an area composed of 25 EU members and four non-EU nations which guarantees freedom of movement with no internal border checks.

According to the EU, the EES will apply to those non-EU citizens making short-stay journeys into the Schengen zone. A non-EU traveler is someone who does not hold EU nationality or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. This new system will replace passport stamps with biometric registration and will roll out gradually across 29 European countries over six months, with full implementation expected by April 10, 2026.