The EU launched the Entry/Exit System (EES): what you need to know
On October 12, the European Union officially launched the Entry/Exit System (EES) — a new electronic system that records when non-EU citizens enter and leave the Schengen Area for short stays, both with visas and visa-free.
What is EES?
EES is a new digital database that collects biometric data (fingerprints and facial photos) and stores passport information, entry and exit dates. The goal of this system is to track how long travelers stay in the EU and to automatically alert border officers if someone stays longer than allowed.
Who must use EES
The system applies to all travelers from non-EU countries, except for a few specific groups.Residents with valid residence permits (TRC / residence cards) and holders of long-term visas (type D) are among those exempt. The full list of exceptions is available on the official EU website.
What counts as a short stay
A short stay means up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This rule applies to all short-term visits for tourism, work, or business.
How the system works
Traveler data will be recorded once, during the first border crossing.
Holders of biometric passports can use self-service kiosks for faster border control.
Travelers with non-biometric passports will still go through border checks as before.
When and why the EES matters
The Entry/Exit System will be introduced gradually over the next six months and is expected to be fully operational by April 10, 2026.
Its main goal is to make traveling to the EU safer and faster by:
improving border security,
simplifying control for legal travelers,
and helping prevent overstays in the Schengen zone.
Conclusion
The launch of EES marks a new stage in EU border management. It will replace manual passport stamping with a modern, digital process, reduce queues, and make data collection more transparent. For travelers and agencies, this means clearer rules, fewer mistakes, and greater confidence when entering or leaving the Schengen Area
The EU launched the Entry/Exit System (EES): what you need to know
The EU launched the Entry/Exit System (EES): what you need to know