The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will modernise how people cross the external borders of many European countries. It will also make border crossings safer, quicker, and more efficient for non-EU visitors. It records entry and exit information for travellers who are not EU nationals.
Finally, the time has come when the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations on 12 October 2025 at EU country airports. This means that the European countries using the EES will introduce the system gradually at their external borders. This shows that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.
Key Dates
| Date | Event |
| 12 October 2025 | Start of EES operations at some external borders |
| 12 Oct 2025 – 9 Apr 2026 | Gradual introduction of data collection |
| 10 April 2026 | Full implementation at all border crossing points |
What Is the EES?
The EES is an automated IT system that records:
- Personal data of travellers (facial image, fingerprints, passport data)
- Dates of entry and exit
- Entry refusals
It replaces passport stamps with a digital record.
Countries Using the EES
The EES will apply to the external borders of the following 29 European countries:
| Austria | Belgium | Bulgaria | Croatia | Czechia |
| Denmark | Estonia | Finland | France | Germany |
| Greece | Hungary | Iceland | Italy | Latvia |
| Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malta | Netherlands |
| Norway | Poland | Portugal | Romania | Slovakia |
| Slovenia | Spain | Sweden | Switzerland |
Who Must Register in the EES
You need to register if you:
- Are a non-EU national (not a citizen of any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland)
- Are travelling for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period)
- Either:
- Need a short-stay visa, or
- Do not need a visa but are visiting for a short stay
Your entries, exits, and refusals will be stored in the system.
Who Is Exempt from the EES
The EES does not apply to:
- Nationals of EU countries, Cyprus, and Ireland
- Non-EU nationals holding:
- Residence cards or residence permits (linked to EU or eligible non-EU nationals)
- Long-stay visas
- Travellers coming to EU countries for:
- Research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchanges, educational projects, or au pair work
- Intra-corporate transfers
- Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, or Vatican City
- Diplomats (under certain conditions)
- Members of armed forces on NATO or Partnership for Peace business (and their dependents)
- Travellers with local border traffic permits
- Crew of passenger or goods trains on international journeys
- Holders of Facilitated Rail Transit or Facilitated Transit Documents (train only)
- People with special privileges (e.g., heads of state, accredited diplomats)
- Travellers are not required to cross borders only at official points or opening hours
Benefits of the EES
| Benefit | Description |
| Modern and efficient checks | Replaces passport stamps with a digital system for quicker, easier checks |
| Faster travel | Shorter waiting times, self-service kiosks, and pre-registration options |
| Better control of migration | Tracks entries and exits to prevent overstays and misuse of visas |
| Improved security | Helps detect security risks and supports the fight against crime and terrorism |
How the EES Works at the Border
First Time After Launch
- Show your passport.
- Officers will collect:
- Facial image
- Fingerprints
- Personal data
- This data is stored digitally.
- You may save time by pre-registering:
- At self-service kiosks (if available)
- Through a mobile app (if offered by the country)
If You Have Used EES Before
- Officers will check your stored fingerprints or photo.
- The process is faster.
- In rare cases, you may be asked to provide data again.
- Travellers with biometric passports may use self-service lanes (if available).
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