Important Update: New EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

Staring on 12 October 2025, a new digital border‐management system called the Entry/Exit System (EES) will gradually be introduced across the Schengen area. 

What is the EES?

The EES is an automated IT system that will record the entry, exit, and refusal of entry of non-EU nationals crossing the external borders of Schengen states. It replaces the current practice of manually stamping passports for short-stay travellers. 

Among the data collected will be:

• Personal data from your travel document (name, nationality, etc.) 
• The time, date and place of each entry and exit 
• A facial image (photo) and, in many cases, fingerprints (biometric identifiers) 
• If entry was denied or refused, that decision will also be recorded 

The system will automatically calculate your stay duration (how many days you’ve spent in the Schengen area) and help identify overstays. 

The EU describes EES as a cornerstone of its “Smart Borders” policy to strengthen security, reduce fraud, and modernize border checks. 

Who is Subject to the EES?

You will be affected by EES if you are a non-EU (third-country) national and you travel for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) into the Schengen area, whether you currently need a short-stay visa or are visa-exempt. 

Some categories are excluded or exempt from EES. You generally will not be subject to it if you:

• Are a national of a country participating in EES (i.e. EU/Schengen nationals) 
• Hold a valid long-term visa, residence permit, or residence card issued by a Schengen / EU state 
• Are travelling under special exemptions (such as certain border-worker schemes, heads of state, etc.) 
• Are citizens of Ireland or Cyprus (these remain outside the Schengen external border stamping regime) 
• Are minors (in some cases children under a certain age) may be exempt from fingerprinting (though photo capture could still apply) 

How and When Will EES Be Introduced?

The system’s launch date is set for 12 October 2025, with a gradual roll-out across Schengen external borders.  Full implementation is expected by 10 April 2026, after a phase during which countries incrementally bring all border points online. 

During the transitional period, passport stamping may continue in many border points until EES is fully active. The data collected under EES will typically be retained for three years (some records, like denial decisions, may have different retention rules). On subsequent visits within that 3-year period, you may not need to re-submit full biometric data; instead, the system will check against your existing digital EES record (you might only need a fingerprint or photo) 

Refusing to comply (e.g. refusing to provide required biometric data) may result in denial of entry. 

Because EES is a border check system, its introduction may add a few minutes to border processing times, especially during the early phase. Be prepared for longer queues. 

What This Means For You (As a Frequent Traveler)

• No prior registration is required before travelling; EES enrollment happens at the border during your first crossing (for most travellers). 
• Make sure your passport is biometric and valid, as the system depends on biometric identifiers.
• For your first crossing under EES, allow extra time at immigration for fingerprinting and photograph capture (or verification against an existing record).
• Maintain awareness of your cumulative stay within Schengen: the 90 days in 180-day limit remains in force, and EES will more rigorously enforce it.
• Overstays or violations will be more easily detected and recorded.

Because data is held for 3 years, the border checks should become faster on repeat visits, assuming your passport and biometric data haven’t changed.

We’re Here to Help

As the EU Entry/Exit System rolls out, preparation is key. Frequent travelers should familiarize themselves with the new requirements, plan for potential delays during initial crossings, and ensure their travel documents meet biometric standards. While the system aims to streamline future visits, its early implementation phase may pose practical challenges—especially for those who travel often for business or leisure.

If you have questions about how EES might affect your travel plans, or if you need tailored immigration and mobility guidance, BHLG’s team is here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our immigration professionals.