Travel in Europe with the European Entry/Exit System (EES)

07.04.2026

As of 10 April 2026 the European Entry-Exit System (EES) is fully operational at all external border crossing points of the countries using EES.

A more streamlined border check for European travel

The European Entry/Exit System is a border check for non-EU nationals travelling to the Schengen area of 29 European countries for short stays.

The entry-exit system will make traveling to participating EU countries on short stays easier by replacing passport stamping with digital records.

It is a way of making travel to Europe more efficient and secure. Data will be collected at border crossing points of participating countries from that 10 April 2026.

To learn full details go to the official EES website.

Video Explainer of EES

Watch the video below to see how the EES will be applied to travellers.

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES) about?

With a population of 450 million, the Schengen countries have abolished passport and border control at their mutual borders. This creates a zone of free movement between them for citizens, residents and visitors.

As the streamlined border management system for the European Union, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is the key to travel in Schengen Area countries.

Follow the link to learn more about the Schengen Area.

Who is the EES for?

The Entry/Exist system is for non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay to a European Schengen-area country. Exemptions apply. Follow the link to visit the official EES site for a full list of exemptions.

What does the EES do?

The EES is a border check at the external border of the European Union/Schengen Area. The goal is to speed up border checks and to improve internal security.

What kind of information does the EES require?

EES collects data already listed in your travel document, the date and place of each entry & exit and biometric data. This information will make border checks more efficient and secure.