Travel to the EU with the New Entry/Exit System

Non-EU citizens will need to register in an automated Entry/Exit System (EES) to cross a border into or out of the Schengen Area.

EES is to substitute the system of manual passport stamping that is present now. On arrival, travelers must create a digital record during their first visit to the EU country at the port or airport.

The new system is intended to minimize illegal immigration and enhance border security overall within the Schengen area.

The specific date for introducing EES has not yet been confirmed, while it is planned to operate in 2025.

Who Is Eligible for the Entry/Exit System?

The new requirement applies to travelers who are not nationals of any European Union country or the nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland and:

• need a short-stay visa;
• do not need a visa to travel for a short stay in European countries.

Short stay in this context refers to 90 days within any 180-day period.

It will be necessary to go through the process when crossing the external borders of any of the following countries:

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, Switzerland.

How to Register in EES?

Travelers must scan their passports at an automated self-service kiosk and provide their biometric data. Also, it is necessary to have the photo taken at dedicated booths.

The digital record in EES is valid for 3 years. If you reenter the Schengen area during this period, you will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border.

EES will operate alongside the new ETIAS system. During the travel authorization procedure, passengers will need to provide personal information and travel details and cover a 7 Euro fee.

How Will the New System Impact Traveling in Europe?

Through the combination of electronic records along with biometric data, the Entry/Exit System improves the management of the Schengen external borders.

EES facilitates real-time information sharing so that EU border authorities can access the necessary information promptly.

This will allow obtaining accurate information on entries, exits, and refusals of entry to the Schengen Area. Moreover, biometric data gathered during EES will help identify fraud.