European Union’s Entry/Exit System

1. What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border-control system operated by eu-LISA. It applies to short stays of non-EU nationals and records each entry and exit to the Schengen Area. The system replaces manual passport stamps with biometric data—a facial image and fingerprints—together with travel document details and the time and place of crossing. By using digital records instead of manual checks, the EES reduces errors, improves screening, and strengthens border security. It will be introduced gradually across border-control points, with some locations switching earlier than others.

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2. When does the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) start and how will it be rolled out?

The official launch date for the EES is 12 October 2025. The rollout will be gradual, with Member States introducing the system at external border crossing points over a period of roughly six months, until around April 2026. During this transition phase, some border control points may still use manual passport stamping or a mixed process until full deployment is completed.

 

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3. Who needs to register for the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

EES applies to non-EU nationals travelling to the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It covers travellers from visa-exempt countries as well as those holding short-stay visas. EU and Schengen citizens, residents with long-stay permits, and certain other categories may be exempt, depending on national rules. Family members of an EU citizen may also have different data-retention rules due to their rights of free movement.

 

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4. What do U.S. travelers need to know about the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

There is no visa or pre-application required, as EES registration happens automatically at the border. Travelers should use a biometric passport—U.S. passports issued after 2006 already include the needed chip. On your first entry, you can expect biometric checks at a kiosk where your face and fingerprints may be scanned. Your allowed stay remains the same: up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.ETIAS is separate and is expected to launch later, likely in 2026.

 

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5. What if I don’t have a biometric passport?

If your passport does not contain an electronic chip, you won’t be able to use the automated self-service kiosks that rely on biometric matching. In this case, border control officers will process you manually at a staffed counter. You will still be registered in the EES, but the procedure may take longer because the biometric capture is carried out directly by the officer. If you use an older passport and travel to Europe regularly, it is advisable to renew your passport before your trip to reduce processing time at the border.

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6. What information is recorded in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES records personal travel document details, including your name, nationality, document number, and the date, time, and place of each border crossing. It also stores biometric data, such as a facial image and fingerprints for most non-visa visitors during their first crossing; children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting but still have a photo taken. Additionally, the system registers exit data when you leave the Schengen Area to calculate your authorised stay, monitor the maximum permitted duration, and help prevent overstays.

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7. How does the registration process work under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

At border crossing points, travelers may use self-service kiosks or dedicated counters for biometric registration. On your first entry under the EES, you will submit your biometric data and travel document for registration. On subsequent trips, you can simply verify your identity using the biometric data already stored, which speeds up the process at self-service kiosks.

There is no action required before travelling — no online form or prior application — because EES registration takes place directly at the border.

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8. What is the difference between EES and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)?

The EES is focused on the electronic registration of entry and exit for non-EU nationals. In contrast, ETIAS is an online travel authorisation that many visa-exempt travellers will need to obtain before their trip, with launch currently expected in late 2026. Together, EES and ETIAS form part of the EU’s broader border-management systems.

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9. How does the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) affect your Condor flight?

Your flight booking with Condor remains unchanged. At your destination airport in the Schengen Area, you may encounter slightly modified border-control procedures, such as biometric registration. During the initial months of EES implementation, travelers may face longer processing times as the system becomes fully operational. Allow a bit of extra time at check-in and upon arrival. You can also explore  flights from the U.S. to Europe with Condor  to stay informed about travel planning and the new Entry/Exit System.

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10. Do you need to apply or prepare in advance for the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

There is No prior registration required for the EES before your trip, as the registration is completed directly at the border. However, you should ensure that you are travelling with a valid biometric passport containing an electronic chip and plan to allow sufficient time upon arrival for the updated procedures.

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11. Which countries are covered by the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES applies to the 29 countries participating in the Schengen Area’s external borders, covering both EU and Schengen-associated states from 12 October 2025 onwards. Some countries, such as the Republic of Cyprus and Ireland, are not part of the Schengen external border regime, so the EES does not apply to them.

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12. Why is EES being introduced?

The EES is being introduced to modernise border management across the Schengen Area by replacing manual passport stamps with digital records. It also aims to improve tracking of authorised stays, reduce overstays, limit identity fraud, and enhance security at external borders. In the long run, the system will help streamline travel, enabling faster crossings for returning travellers whose biometric data is already stored.

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13. What should you bring or do for faster processing under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

To ensure smoother processing under the EES, travelers should use a biometric passport with an electronic chip and arrive with sufficient time at the airport to accommodate the updated border procedures. If available at your arrival point, follow the signs for self-service kiosks or dedicated EES lanes. Children under 12 may be exempt from fingerprinting, but they still require photo registration as part of the process.

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14. How is personal data protected under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

All information collected under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)is securely stored and managed by eu-LISA, the EU agency responsible for large-scale information systems. The data is processed in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and is used exclusively for legitimate border-management and security purposes.

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