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New Entry/Exit System (EES)

12.09.2025 Press and information team of the Delegation to GUATEMALA

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. 

EES-Progressive Start of Operations
© EEAS

 

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of any of the following European countries using the system:

  1. Austria
  2. Belgium
  3. Bulgaria
  4. Croatia
  5. Czechia
  6. Denmark
  7. Estonia
  8. Finland
  9. France
  10. Germany
  11. Greece
  12. Hungary
  13. Iceland
  14. Italy
  15. Latvia
  16. Liechtenstein
  17. Lithuania
  18. Luxembourg
  19. Malta
  20. Netherlands
  21. Norway
  22. Poland
  23. Portugal
  24. Romania
  25. Slovakia
  26. Slovenia
  27. Spain
  28. Sweden
  29. Switzerland

 

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.

 

Which countries’ nationals must be registered in the EES?

 

The system applies to you if you are a non-EU national who either:

  • need a short-stay visa to travel to the European countries using the EES 

or

  • do not need a visa to travel for a short stay in 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 - see To whom does the EES not apply?

 

What are the benefits of the EES?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
When will the EES go live? What is the EES for? Who
is affected?
12 October 2025 The EES modernises border management by increasing efficiency and quality of processes at the border. It also simplifies travel and makes it safer. Non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay to a European country using the EES. 
Exemptions apply – see To whom the EES does not apply? 
 

More about EES:

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr