New EU Border Registration System Launched in Budapest – Important Info for Travelers
2025. 11. 18.
1 min read
From November 18, 2025, Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport has implemented the EU's new Entry-Exit System (EES) border registration system. This change mainly affects travelers with non-EU passports.
✈️ What is EES and who does it affect?
The purpose of EES is to increase the security of the Schengen area and to accurately digitally record border crossings of non-EU passengers.
The system:
- 📸 takes a facial photo
- 👉 collects fingerprints
- 📝 records how long someone stays in the Schengen area
For EU passport holders, nothing changes – everything stays the same.
⏳ Expected changes at the airport
For non-EU passengers, due to biometric registration:
- temporarily longer queues may occur
- first entry takes a bit longer, but speeds up afterwards
Budapest Airport is assisting the process with reinforced staff and continuously informing passengers.
🕒 When should you arrive?
Due to the EES implementation, it's advisable to leave earlier, especially if:
- you're traveling with a non-EU passport
- your flight departs during peak hours
- there's heavy traffic at the airport
It's good to allow extra time for parking and transfer as well.