From 12 October, traveling to Europe for a short stay will become easier!
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is the new European border management system that records the crossing of the external borders of 29 European countries by third-country nationals traveling to Europe for a short stay.
Passport stamping will be replaced by a digital and automated entry/exit system that will record biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), travel documents, and travel dates of third-country nationals, in full compliance with fundamental rights and data protection. Entry refusals will also be recorded.
The collection of data will be introduced gradually at border crossing points and will be fully operational by 10 April 2026.
The system will apply both to third-country nationals who require a visa for short stays—up to 90 days within a 180-day period—and to those who are visa-exempt.
The new system will not apply to third-country nationals holding a national long-stay visa or residence permit issued by Schengen States, to citizens of San Marino, the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco, and Vatican City, crew members, people exempt from border checks or who have been granted certain privileges with respect to border checks (such as heads of state, accredited diplomats, etc.) as well as all other citizens falling under exemptions indicated here: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/to-whom-does-ees-not-apply#ees-does-not-apply-to
The EES will help prevent irregular migration and protect the security of European citizens. It will also facilitate travel for law-abiding third-country nationals, while enabling more efficient identification of irregular stays and cases of document and identity fraud. In addition, the system will allow wider use of automated border controls and self-service systems, which are faster and more convenient for travelers.
Check this infographic to discover how the system will work!
Find out more about the EES : https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees
