The Entry-and-Exit System (EES) is a new system to register the entry and exit of people entering the Schengen zone. It will start operating from October 12th 2025, and gradually be phased in on all border crossing points of the Schengen zone.
This system only applies to non-EU nationals and will not affect the application process or validity periods of entry visas. For an overview of countries to which this new system does (and does not) apply, have a look at this website.
The EES system applies to me
If the EES system applies to your DiscoverEU journey, it’s important that you plan some extra time for your border crossing into the Schengen Zone. As the border agents will need to collect some biometric data from incoming travelers, there may be slightly longer lines than you might be used to.
Depending on your nationality, you might need to apply for an entry visa to start your DiscoverEU journey. For more information about this, you can have a look at this article.
When you cross into the Schengen Zone, you will need to provide some biometric data to store into the EES system, If you want more information about the privacy policy applicable to this data, please check out this website.
Beginning 12 October 2025 the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations and gradually deployed across the external borders of the 29 European countries (Schengen Zone) over a period of 6 months. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.
What is EES?
If you are a non-EU National traveling for a short stay to a European Country using the EES and holds a short stay visa the system will store only your facial image as your finger prints were already registered when you applied for a visa.
If you do not need a visa to stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 190- day period. The system will store 4 of your finger prints and your facial image.
EES will electronically store your entries, exits and/or entry refusals in the system. The EES aim is for the modernization of border management by increasing efficiency and quality of processes in simplifying the travel and makes it safer. European countries using EES may decide to further automate their processes such as having a self-service machines (kiosks) which allows travelers to register when crossing borders, check if your data is still recorded or not, upload them for subsequent verification by the passport control officer. This automated border processes, will help to gradually reduce queues and manual checks, before reaching the passport control officer.
Once the EES system is fully operational, passport stamping will no longer exists. The transport carriers will be obliged to verify that non-EU nationals have a short stay visa and the number of entries authorized by their visa have not been exhausted. Carriers must use an online interface to perform this checks.
How does EES affects my privacy?
Collecting biometrics can have an impact on travellers privacy. However, EES ensures that fundamental rights are protected. EES complies with the GDPR requirements. Safeguards are in place to ensure the rights of the travellers as regards the protection of their privacy and personal data. Your personal data will only be retained in EES for as long as necessary and for the purpose which it was collected.
What kind of passport do I need to use the self-service system?
In order for you to use the self-service system, you need to have a biometric passport containing chip with your biometric information collected at the time you applied for your passport. You will not be able to use the self-service systems if you do not have a biometric passport. This means the traditional way of border and passport controls will apply in your case. Most travel documents, including non-biometric passports are accepted by the Member States.
Important Tips:
If you are entering Europe by train, especially on popular routes like London to Paris (via Eurostar) , you need to arrive earlier. Some station will require check-in 90- 120 minutes before departure and be asked to scan your face and fingerprints. If the station does not have yet the self-service system, you may need to go through manual checks.