EU Entry/Exit System

Established under Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2017, the EES constitutes the EU’s new border management system and will change the way that the EU manages its external borders.

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations on 12 October 2025. European countries using the EES will introduce the system gradually at their external borders. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.

Which countries’ nationals must be registered in the EES?

The system applies to you if you are a non-EU national who either (i) needs a short-stay visa to travel to the European countries using the EES or (ii)  (ii) do not need a visa to travel for a short stay in the European countries using the EES.

For the purpose of the EES, ‘non-EU national’ means a traveller not holding the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

‘Short stay’ means up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This period is calculated as a single period for all the European countries using the EES.

Your entries and exits, or entry refusals will be electronically registered in the EES.

Exemptions to registration in the EES apply (more information here) 

What are the benefits of the EES?

• Making Border Checks More Modern and Efficient: The EES will gradually replace passport stamps with a digital system that records when travellers enter and exit, making border checks faster and helping staff to work more efficiently.
• Making Travel Across Borders Easier and Faster: With EES, travellers will spend less time at the border thanks to faster checks, self-service options, and the possibility to give their information in advance.
• Preventing Irregular Migration: The EES will help track who comes in and out of the Schengen Area, using fingerprint and face data to stop people from overstaying, using fake identities or misusing visa-free travel.
• Increasing the security in the Schengen Area: The EES will give border officers and law enforcement authorities access to important traveller information, helping them to spot security risks and support the fight against serious crimes and terrorism.

More information can be found on EES web page