New EES to go into effect from 12 October 2025.
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations on 12 October 2025. European countries using the EES will introduce the system gradually at their external borders. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026. Here is some pertinent information about what this is and how it affects travellers entering Europe (Schengen Zone).
What is the EES?
The system applies to you if you are a non-EU national who either: 1) is travelling to Europe on a tourist visa for a short-term stay, or 2) is travelling to Europe from a country for which a tourist visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days. Thus, the new EES does not apply to EU nationals or people residing in the Schengen Zone on a visa.
What are the benefits of the EES?
Making Border Checks More Modern and Efficient: The EES will gradually replace passport stamps with a digital system that records when travellers enter and exit, making border checks faster and helping staff to work more efficiently.
Making Travel Across Borders Easier and Faster: With EES, travellers will spend less time at the border thanks to faster checks, self-service options, and the possibility to give their information in advance.
Preventing Irregular Migration: The EES will help track who comes in and out of the Schengen Area, using fingerprint and face data to stop people from overstaying, using fake identities or misusing visa-free travel.
Increasing the security in the Schengen Area: The EES will give border officers and law enforcement authorities access to important traveller information, helping them to spot security risks and support the fight against serious crimes and terrorism.
SUMMARY
When will the EES go live? 12 October 2025
What is the EES for? The EES modernises border management by increasing efficiency and quality of processes at the border. It also simplifies travel and makes it safer.
Who is affected? Non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay to a European country using the EES.
Whom does the EES not apply to?
The EES does not apply to:
Nationals of the European countries using the EES, as well as Cyprus and Ireland
Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national
Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card or a residence permit and are immediately related to a non-EU national who can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen
Non-EU nationals travelling to Europe as part of an intra-corporate transfer or for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au-pairing
Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas
Nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See
People exempt from border checks or who have been granted certain privileges with respect to border checks (such as heads of state, accredited diplomats, cross-border workers, etc.). Diplomats travelling on short stay may be exempt from EES registration under certain conditions.
The exception from registration in the EES apply to members of the armed forces travelling on NATO or Partnership for Peace business, who hold an identification and individual or collective movement order provided for by the Agreement between the parties to the North Atlantic Treaty regarding the Status of their Forces and may apply to civilian component or dependents referred to in the NATO Status of Forces Agreement.People not required to cross external borders solely at border crossing points and during fixed opening hours
People holding a valid local border traffic permit
Crew members of passenger and goods trains on international connecting journeys
People holding a valid Facilitated Rail Transit Document or valid Facilitated Transit Document, provided they travel by train and do not disembark anywhere within the territory of an EU Member State
Legal base: Article 2(3) of Regulation(EU) 2017/2226
