Border Technology

EES: The EU Entry/Exit System

The Entry/Exit System will replace passport stamps with digital biometric records at all Schengen borders. Here's everything you need to know.

Launch Timeline

EES is expected to launch in late 2025. The exact date is subject to confirmation by the European Commission. This page will be updated when the official launch date is announced.

Biometric

Fingerprints + Face

3 Years

Data retention

Self-Service

Kiosks at airports

All Non-EU

Nationals affected

How EES Works

First Entry Registration

On your first entry under EES, a border officer or self-service kiosk will capture your biometric data: four fingerprints and a facial image. This takes approximately 1-2 minutes.

Digital Record Created

The system creates a digital entry record replacing the traditional passport stamp. Your entry date, border crossing point, and visa details are stored electronically.

Subsequent Entries

On future entries, the system uses facial recognition to verify your identity against stored biometrics. This is faster than the initial registration process.

Automatic Exit Recording

When you leave the Schengen Area, your exit is recorded digitally. The system automatically calculates your remaining allowed stay days.

Overstay Alerts

If a traveller hasn't recorded an exit within their permitted stay, the system generates an alert for border authorities across all Schengen states.

Benefits for Travellers

Automated 90/180 tracking

No more manual counting. The system tracks your allowed days automatically, reducing the risk of accidental overstay.

Faster subsequent entries

After your first registration, border crossings use facial recognition for quick verification.

No passport stamp damage

Digital records mean no more stamps taking up passport pages or becoming illegible.

Cross-border visibility

All Schengen countries can see your entry/exit records, preventing system abuse.

EES vs ETIAS: What's the Difference?

Feature	EES	ETIAS
Purpose	Records entry/exit dates and biometrics	Pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals
Who it affects	All non-EU/EEA nationals (including visa holders)	Only visa-exempt nationals (e.g., US, UK, Australian citizens)
When you use it	At the border (entry and exit)	Before travel (online application)
Biometrics	Fingerprints + facial image collected at border	No biometrics — online form only
Validity	Data stored for 3 years (5 if overstay)	Valid for 3 years or until passport expires
Cost	Free (part of border process)	€7 application fee
Replaces	Passport stamps	Nothing — it's a new requirement

Self-Service Kiosks

Major Schengen airports will deploy self-service kiosks to streamline the EES registration process:

✓Available at major international airports across the Schengen Area

✓Guide you through the biometric capture process step by step

✓Use touchscreen interfaces with multiple language options

✓Scan your passport's MRZ (machine-readable zone) automatically

✓Capture fingerprints and facial image

✓A border officer supervises and can assist if needed

✓Process takes 1-2 minutes for first-time registration

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Entry/Exit System (EES) launch?

EES has been delayed several times and is expected to launch in late 2025, though the exact date is subject to confirmation by the European Commission. We recommend checking for the latest updates closer to your travel date.

Do I need to do anything before travelling under EES?

No pre-registration is needed for EES. Your biometric data will be collected at the border during your first entry after the system launches. If you hold a Schengen visa, your visa details are linked automatically.

Will EES make border queues longer?

The first entry under EES may take slightly longer due to biometric capture (1-2 minutes extra). However, subsequent entries should be faster thanks to facial recognition. Self-service kiosks at major airports will also help manage queues.

How is my data protected under EES?

EES data is subject to EU data protection regulations (GDPR). Data is stored securely, accessible only to authorised border and immigration authorities, and deleted after 3 years (5 years for overstays). You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your data.

Do I still need a Schengen visa with EES?

Yes. EES does not replace the visa requirement. If your nationality requires a Schengen visa, you still need one. EES is an additional system that records your border crossings digitally instead of using passport stamps.

What's the difference between EES and ETIAS?

EES records entry/exit data for ALL non-EU travellers at the border. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation system for VISA-EXEMPT nationals only (e.g., UK, US citizens). If you need a Schengen visa, ETIAS doesn't apply to you, but EES does.

What happens if the system is down at the border?

Contingency procedures are in place. Border officers can process travellers manually and enter data into the system later. Your travel should not be significantly disrupted by technical issues.

Related Border & Entry Information

Learn more about ETIAS and what to expect at Schengen borders.

ETIAS Information → Border Entry Guide