EU to require Kenyans’ biometric data as it ends manual passport stamping
Kenyan travellers heading to Europe will now be required to provide biometric data instead of receiving traditional manual passport stamps. This will be a shift on the European Union country’s new entry system designed to enhance security and streamline travel processes.
Starting October 12, 2025, Kenyans must prepare for this change to avoid delays and ensure smooth passage through European borders.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces traditional passport stamping with biometric registration, thereby enhancing border security by enabling the real-time monitoring of travellers’ movements, a dispatch explained.
Over the next six months, the system will be phased in across 29 European countries, including the entire European Union bloc, with full implementation expected by April 2026.
Officials emphasise that the new system is designed to make travel more transparent and more efficient while helping to prevent overstaying and unauthorised entry.
In practice, the system will affect all non-EU citizens, including Kenyan passport holders visiting the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The new data collection system will affect all travellers, whether they are travelling for work, leisure or to visit family.
First-time arrivals will need to provide biometric data, a facial image and fingerprints, which will be stored alongside personal and travel information such as passport details, entry and exit points, and the duration of stay. For children under 12, only facial images will be taken.
The change is significant for Kenyan travellers.
Kenya is one of the countries whose citizens require a Schengen visa to enter most European Union countries that signed on a common external border. While the visa process itself will not change, the way in which Kenyan visitors are checked at the border will, a statement said.
Each entry will now be digitally logged, making it easier for the authorities to monitor how long visitors stay and ensure that they respect the conditions of their visas.
According to the official website of the European Union, the EES is expected to be fully implemented by April 10, 2026. This means that, by this date, the data of all non-EU travellers entering or leaving the Schengen zone will be captured digitally.
“Your travel document data and other personal information, including your entry and exit dates, will be collected and registered electronically in the system. This procedure will facilitate your border crossing,” an EU statement said.
“If you overstay the permitted period in European countries using the EES, the system will identify this and record the information.”
Most of the data collection at the border is set to be handled by passport control officers. In some locations, self-service kiosks or mobile apps will be made available to help travellers register their data more quickly.
The broader effect is a shift towards transparency: overstaying visas will become more difficult, and digital records will provide a clearer travel history for each visitor. Although the initial months may be challenging for passengers at busy hubs such as Paris, Frankfurt or Amsterdam, EU officials anticipate a more streamlined experience in the long term.
Self-service kiosks or smartphone apps will be made available in select places to enable passengers to register their data more quickly.
Kenyans and other travellers are advised to enquire about the procedures that will be implemented at their particular point of entry by contacting their airline or embassy before their trip.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.