EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

What travelers need to know about Europe's new biometric border system.

Replaces passport stamps with digital entry/exit records. Collects biometrics (fingerprints + facial image) at the border. Applies to all non-EU travelers — visa holders, ETIAS holders, and visa-exempt alike. No pre-registration needed — everything happens at the border. Fully operational April 10, 2026 at all Schengen external borders.

Replaces: Passport stamps
Biometrics: Fingerprints + face
Applies To: All non-EU travelers
Registration: At the border

Borders without ink

EES is the EU's new biometric border database. Instead of stamping your passport, border kiosks capture four fingerprints and a face scan on first entry; every subsequent crossing is matched against the file. It runs in parallel with ETIAS and is what's actually counting your 90/180 days going forward — the days of inky stamps and counting on your fingers are finished.

Border crossings per year: 500M+
Facial scan time: 3 sec
Schengen countries: 30
Fully operational: Apr 2026

What is the Entry/Exit System?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is the EU's new automated border management system. It replaces manual passport stamping with digital records and biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) for all non-EU travelers entering and exiting the Schengen Area.

EES applies to everyone who is not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen — whether you need a visa, ETIAS, or neither. Every time you cross a Schengen external border, the system records your entry and exit electronically.

How is EES Different from ETIAS?

EES is a border registration system — it records when you enter and leave. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization — it determines whether you are allowed to travel. They work together but serve different purposes.

Think of it this way: ETIAS is your permission to travel (like a visa waiver), while EES is the system that stamps you in and out digitally at the border.

EES vs ETIAS

	EES	ETIAS
What it does	Records entry/exit at borders	Pre-travel authorization
Who it affects	All non-EU/EEA travelers	59 visa-exempt nationalities
When you interact	At the border	Before travel (online)
Biometrics	Fingerprints + facial image	No biometrics
Cost	Free	€20 (adults 18-70)
Launch	Oct 2025 (phased)	Q4 2026

EES Timeline

Oct 12, 2025
Oct 12, 2025
EES rollout begins at select border crossings
Nov 2025 onwards
Nov 2025 onwards
Gradual expansion to more airports and land borders
Apr 10, 2026
Apr 10, 2026
EES fully operational at all Schengen external borders
Q4 2026
Q4 2026
ETIAS launches — works alongside EES

Key Facts

Who's Affected: All non-EU travelers
Data Collected: Biometrics + passport
Data Retention: 3 years
Where: All Schengen borders

Learn More About EES

How EES Works

Step-by-step guide to the border process

Biometric Registration

What data is collected and how

Processing Times

How long EES takes at the border

EES Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do anything before my trip because of EES?

No. Unlike ETIAS, EES does not require any pre-registration. You simply present your passport and provide biometrics at the border. However, if you are from a visa-exempt country, you will also need ETIAS once it launches in Q4 2026.

Will EES make border queues longer?

Initially there may be longer wait times, especially at busy airports, as first-time travelers need to register their biometrics. However, return visitors will pass through much faster using facial recognition. Automated border gates (ABC gates) will also speed things up.

What happens to my passport stamps?

EES replaces manual passport stamping at Schengen borders. Instead of ink stamps, your entry and exit are recorded electronically. This means no more running out of blank passport pages from European stamps.

Does EES apply at every Schengen border?

EES applies at all Schengen external borders — airports, land crossings, and seaports. It does not apply when traveling between Schengen countries (for example, flying from France to Germany), since there are no border checks within the Schengen Area.

Is my biometric data safe?

EES data is protected under EU data protection regulations (GDPR). Data is stored in a secure central system and can only be accessed by authorized border and immigration authorities. You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your data.

Does EES affect EU citizens?

No. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens are exempt from EES. It only applies to third-country nationals (non-EU travelers).

Related Information

ETIAS Guide

Pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers

Schengen Area

30 countries with open borders

Schengen Visa

For nationalities that need a visa

90-Day Rule

How EES tracks your stay duration