One of the biggest travel changes in 2025 is the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). The digital system launches EU‑wide on 12 October 2025 and rolls out at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport on 18 November 2025. This mainly affects non‑EU citizens entering the Schengen Area for stays of up to 90 days. Here’s what to expect when flying to Budapest.
Who needs to register?
- Affected travellers – all third‑country nationals (e.g., British, American, Australian) entering or leaving the Schengen Area for short staysbud.hu.
- Not affected – EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and holders of residence permits or long‑stay visasbud.hu.
- ETIAS connection – ETIAS (electronic travel authorization) is expected to start in 2026. For 2025, EES is the main change.
What changes at the airport?
- Biometric data – border guards will take fingerprints and a facial photo for every affected travellerbud.hu.
- Digital registration – the system logs entry and exit times, passport details and stay duration, replacing passport stamps.
- Longer wait times – border checks may take longer during the transitionxpatloop.com. Arrive early and follow EES queue signsbud.hu.
- Documents – bring a valid passport and any required visas or residence permits. ETIAS is not yet required.
Travel tips
- Arrive early – allow an extra 30–60 minutes for border formalities, especially at peak times.
- Be prepared – have your passport and address of stay ready. Fill out any pre‑registration if offered.
- Avoid tight connections – don’t book close train or bus connections; the new procedure is unpredictable.
- Seek assistance – look for “Border Assistance” counters for help; extra staff will be available.
Sample timeline when landing
| Stage | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| Landing | 0 min |
| EES registration | 20–40 minxpatloop.com |
| Baggage claim | 10–20 min |
| Transfer to city | 30–40 min (bus, taxi) |
FAQ
Who must use the new EES system?
All non‑EU citizens entering the Schengen Area for stays up to 90 days must register biometrics at the borderbud.hu. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens are exempt.
Do I need an ETIAS authorization?
Not yet. ETIAS is expected in 2026. In 2025, only the EES is required.
How long will border control take?
Expect longer queues; allocate an extra 30–60 minutes for border checksxpatloop.com.
What replaces passport stamping?
The EES logs entry and exit digitally, so your passport is no longer stampedbud.hu. Border staff will scan your passport and take your fingerprints and facial image.
