The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new European Union border management system that electronically record the entry and exit of travelers entering certain European countries for short stays.
The EES applies to travelers who are not citizens of the European Union or of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, and who travel to any of the 29 countries where the system operates for short stays. Each time they cross an external border of these countries, their entry or exit will be recorded.
When will it start operating?
The EES will begin to be implemented gradually starting in October 2025 and is expected to be fully operational in April 2026, according to European authorities.
What data does the EES collect?
- Personal data from the travel document, such as full name, date of birth, and nationality.
- Date and place of entry and exit from the countries where the system applies.
- Biometric data such as fingerprints and facial image.
- Information on entry refusals, if applicable.
- Travelers who are not citizens of European Union countries, nor of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
- Travelers entering any of the 29 countries where the EES operates.
- Travelers staying for short periods (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
All travelers, even if they are visa-exempt.
- Travelers who have been refused entry to any of the countries where the system applies.
- Citizens of the European countries where the EES operates, as well as Cyprus and Ireland.
- Travelers with a residence card or permit in a European country.
- Immediate family members of EU citizens traveling under that status.
Travelers with long-stay visas or residence permits.
- Travelers under intra-company transfers, studies, research, internships, volunteering, student exchange programs, or au pair schemes.
Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, or holders of Vatican / Holy See passports.
Persons exempt from border checks or with special privileges.
Holders of a valid local border traffic permit.
International train crew (passenger and freight) on connecting journeys.
Keep in mind:
- A short stay is any trip of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This period is calculated jointly across all countries where the EES applies.
- Arrive at the airport earlier and have your travel documents ready, especially during the first months of system implementation.
- The EES system replaces manual passport stamping, so your entry and exit will be recorded electronically.