IN FULL EFFECT STARTING ON APRIL 10, 2026

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system that registers the entries and exits of individuals from non-Schengen countries at the external borders of the Schengen Area. The use of the fully automated Entry/Exit System will save time of manual passport stamping and simplify the border control process.

More information about the Entry/Exit System (EES) is also available on the European Union’s website.

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/what-is-the-ees

How the Entry/Exit System’s registration process works

Travelers with a biometric passport scan their data themselves at a self-service system. A machine-readable biometric identity document is a prerequisite. These self-service systems capture biometric data (facial images and fingerprints) together with the traveler’s name, passport details and their place of entry into and exit from the Schengen Area. The route to the actual border control is signposted. The recorded data will be checked there. If there are no reasons for refusal, border control allows travelers to enter/exit. This, in turn, is stored in the EES.

What data is collected?

Information in the travel document (e.g. name, date of birth, etc.)

Date and place of entry into or exit from a European country

Facial image and fingerprints (biometric data)

Refusal of entry, where applicable

Important information for entering and exiting airports in the Schengen Area

Important: entry always takes place at the first airport in the Schengen Area, even if the travel route includes another subsequent internal European flight. Exit always takes place at the last airport in the Schengen Area. Travelers without a biometric passport must proceed directly to a border control counter. Travel documents should be kept ready immediately after landing. Third-country nationals without a residence permit can save time by using the self-service systems for data collection. Ideally, the passport should not be in a passport holder. The routes to passport control are signposted. The respective border control counters are clearly identified. It is recommended that citizens of the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA) as well as holders of a residence permit for the EU, or the EEA, use the eGates. Long-visa holders should proceed directly to a border control counter.

Who does the EES apply to?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) essentially affects all third-country nationals who are either visa exempt or who require a visa and who stay in the Schengen Area for a short visit of a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. Cyprus and Ireland are not part of the EES.

European countries that use the Entry/Exit System

The following European countries are already using the EES: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Frequently asked questions about entry regulations

Passengers should ensure that they have all the necessary travel documents with them, including a valid biometric passport, and inform themselves about the current entry requirements. If you need a visa to travel to the European countries that use the EES, the system will only store your facial photo (since your fingerprints will already have been registered in the Visa Information System/VIS at the time of your visa application). If you do not need a visa to travel to the European countries that use the EES, the system will store a combination of four of your fingerprints and the photograph of your face.

Recorded personal file data

Last name, first name, date of birth, nationality and gender

Passport number, issuing country, and expiration date

Facial image

Fingerprints of four fingers (except the thumb)

Children under 12 years old do not have to register their fingerprints