EU introduces Entry/Exit System (EES)
October 9, 2025
Beginning October 12, 2025, the European Union will gradually introduce the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering non-EU nationals travelling for short stays.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be deployed gradually across the external borders of the 29 European countries over a period of 6 months. Until the EES has been completely rolled out, manual passport checks will continue as usual.
To whom does the EES apply?
The system applies to all non-EU nationals who either:
- need a short-stay visa to travel to the European countries using the EES, or
- do not need a visa to travel for a short stay in the European countries using the EES
What constitutes a short stay?
In the context of the EES, a ‘short stay’ means up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
This is calculated as a single period for all the European countries using the EES.
What can I expect the first time I use the EES at the border check?
The first time you arrive at a border crossing where EES is in place, you will need to provide your personal data.
Passport control officers will take a photo of your face and/or scan your fingerprints. This information will be recorded in a digital file.
How will EES work once my data has been recorded?
On subsequent trips, because the photo of your face and/or your fingerprints will already be recorded in the EES, the passport control officers will only verify your fingerprints and photo on subsequent trips.
This will take less time and make border checks more secure.
Still have questions or want to know more?
Visit the European Union Entry/Exit (EES) site for complete details.