Introduction of the new Entry/Exit System (EES)
Please pay attention to the changes in the border control procedures by travelling to 29 European countries.
What is changing?
Starting from 12 October 2025 the new automated IT-system (EES) will be gradually implemented at the external borders of 29 European countries. This system will replace the manual stamping of passports for non-EU citizens.
The EES will electronically record your entry and exit each time you cross the borders of participating European countries. This process will include the collection of the following data:
- data listed in your travel document(s) (e.g. full name, date of birth, etc.)
- facial image and fingerprints (called ‘biometric data’)
- whether you were refused entry
- date and place of each entry and exit.
Who will be registered in the EES?
Non-EU nationals travelling to the European countries using the EES for a short stay (up to 90 days within a 180-day period), will be registered in the EES. Travellers’ data will be registered in the EES, regardless of whether they need a short-stay visa or they are visa-free travellers.
Who is exempt?
The EES will not apply to non-EU nationals who hold a residence permit or long-term visa issued by one of the European countries using the system. Other special exemptions apply, including for relatives of EU citizens holding a resident card.
Why is the EES being introduced?
- The EES modernises border checks and gradually reduces waiting times at the borders.
- The EES enhances the security of Europe’s borders.
- The EES easily identifies non-EU nationals who do not fulfil the conditions of entry and stay or those who stay longer than permitted in the Schengen area.
Travellers’ data will be collected and stored in full compliance with EU data protection rules and rights.
For more information on the EES, including the full list of 29 European countries using the EES, the grounds for an exemption from the EES, the information on data protection please visit https://travel-europe.europa.eu/pub