Europe's Digital Borders: How the New Entry/Exit System Will Affect Tourism, Business and Investment in Bulgaria

From 12 October 2025, a phased rollout begins of a new digital system for recording crossings of the European Union’s external borders — the Entry/Exit System (EES). The system has been created to register citizens of non-EU countries who arrive on short-term visits (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). 

EES will be introduced gradually over 6 months, with the likely final launch by 10 April 2026. 

The system will replace the familiar stamping of passports with an electronic record: it will store the name, date and place of entry/exit, passport details, as well as biometric data — a photo and fingerprints. 

Who will be affected by the introduction of the Entry/Exit System and how

Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA arriving for a short stay without a visa or on a short-term visa. 

It does not concern EU citizens, holders of residence permits or long-term national visas. 

On the first entry/exit through a border with EES recording: photo + fingerprints (for persons aged 12 and over). For children under 12 — photo only. 

Consequences of introducing EES recording for tourists in Bulgaria

Improved security and control. EES allows national services to see who crossed the border and when, to record illegal stays and to prevent breaches of the visa regime. This is an important step in modernising EU border control. 

It is important for tourists to remember:

• When crossing the border under the new system for the first time, additional time will need to be set aside for registration.
• Subsequent visits may be quicker, since some biometric data will already be in the system.
• The need for thorough preparation: having return tickets, accommodation bookings and funds for the stay. 
• Temporary queues and adaptation delays are possible, especially in the first months.

Impact on Bulgaria’s property market and investment

For markets that are predominantly tourism-oriented (resort apartments, short-term rentals), this change is a signal: the EU is strengthening the monitoring of short stays. Accordingly, owners of such properties should take into account the potential tightening of requirements for guest registration and compliance with the rules of stay.

For investors in property as a «second home» or for letting: improved control standards enhance the prestige of the destination and the security of investments, since regulated markets are perceived as more transparent and safer.

Service providers (management companies, landlords) should be ready for new forms of data collection, adaptation of guest reception processes and recording of their stay.

Owners of resort apartments: review your rental agreements and internal guest reception procedures — ensure that the necessary guest data is collected, guests are briefed on the terms of their stay, and feedback is obtained.

Management companies: organise communication with owners and guests about the new procedures — text on the website, information sheets, preparation for possible changes in queues.

Investors: assess properties taking into account the possible impact on short-term letting — a property with a stable long-term rental or residence becomes more attractive.

For tourists and owners of «homes by the sea» in Bulgaria: plan border crossings in advance, arrive earlier, taking possible new features into account.

The launch of EES is a significant event for everyone who travels, invests or owns property in Europe. On the one hand, it represents strengthened control and security; on the other, new requirements and slightly more procedures at the initial stages. Those who own property at Bulgaria’s resorts should view this as an additional argument in favour of a high-quality and lawful market. Preparing in advance is the key to taking advantage of the benefits rather than being caught off guard.