How Europe’s Entry/Exit System Will Transform Border Management

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new automated IT system designed to register non-EU nationals travelling for short stays each time they cross the external borders of 29 European countries. European Entry Exit System records personal details such as name, travel document data, fingerprints, facial images, and the date and place of entry and exit. The process for EU Entry/Exit System respects fundamental rights and data protection rules, which ensures it operates transparently and fairly.

When does EES start?

Border authorities will begin using the EES from 12 October 2025, introducing it gradually over six months. By 10 April 2026, EES EU will fully replace the old manual passport stamping method used at borders.

The benefits of the Entry Exit System

The goal of the EES is to strengthen Europe’s border management and security. Entry Exit System EU will make it easier to identify travellers who stay longer than permitted and detect cases of identity or document fraud. This is expected to help prevent irregular migration and support efforts to protect everyone living in or visiting Europe. At the same time, the EES Europe will allow the wider use of automated border controls and self-service systems, which should make crossings quicker and more comfortable. The European Agency eu-LISA is responsible for developing and managing the system, ensuring its proper operation and maintenance.

Which countries are in the EES?

The new EU border control system is part of the broader Security Union strategy and supports the objectives of the European Agenda on Security and Migration. The European Commission first proposed the system in 2016, and it was adopted in 2017 after negotiations with the European Parliament and the Council. In 2025, new regulations allowed for a gradual rollout to ensure smooth implementation across all participating countries. Nationals from outside the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland will be registered in the system for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This coordinated effort represents a major step toward smarter, safer, and more efficient border management across Europe.

There are 29 European countries implementing EES for non-EU travelers:

• Schengen zone: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
• EU States committed to Schengen: Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania

How will the EU's New Border System Work?

Under the new Entry/Exit System (EES), non-EU travellers arriving at a border crossing will need to provide their personal data, including a facial photo and fingerprints, which will be stored in a secure digital file. This process can be faster if travellers who enter the Schengen area register some information in advance using a self-service kiosk or a mobile app provided by the country they are entering or leaving.

A passport control officer will still check the people who travel to Europe, and verify the data. For those who have already crossed the border since the Entry Exit System Europe began, the process will be quicker because their biometric information is already in the system. Officers will only need to confirm the existing data, though in some cases, new data may be required. Travellers with biometric passports can also use self-service gates for faster and more efficient border checks.

Key Features of the Entry/Exit System (EES):

• The EES records essential travel information for non-EU travelers, including name, nationality, travel document details, date and place of entry and exit, and any refusals of entry. This helps detect overstays and improves border security.
• Biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints are mandatory and collected at a traveler’s first entry. These identifiers ensure accurate identity verification and prevent document or identity fraud for people who travel to Europe.
• Biometric data are stored in the Shared Biometric Matching Service (sBMS), managed by eu-LISA, which allows quick cross-checking with other EU databases.
• The system is integrated with major EU security networks, including the Visa Information System (VIS) and ETIAS, allowing authorities to verify visas and assess travel risks efficiently.
• By linking travel data with security systems, the EES supports faster, smarter border management, helps detect irregular movements, and strengthens safety across the Schengen Area.