Entry-Exit System (EES)

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated information technology  (IT) system designed to register non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay (maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period), each time they cross an external border of a European country using the EES*. This is done regardless of whether they need a short-stay visa, unless exceptions apply. Refusals of entry are also recorded in the system.

The EES automates border control procedures, making travel to European countries using the EES more efficient.

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

 

The EES starts operations on 12 October 2025. The EES will be progressively rolled out at the external borders until 9 April 2026. During that period, travellers’ personal data might not be collected at all  border crossing points. At Palermo Airport the EES starts operations on 20 October 2025.

From 10 April 2026, the EES will be fully operational.

The system is being put in place to modernise borders, make border checks easy, secure, and more efficient for travellers, and to improve European-wide security.

The EES will:
» Modernise and improve border management with secure and reliable electronic records and by enabling automation at the borders;
» Improve the experience for travellers and gradually reduce waiting times thanks to automated border checks;
» Prevent irregular immigration, by identifying overstayers and providing reliable data on entries, exits, and refusals of entry;
» Strengthen the Schengen area’s internal security by preventing identity and document fraud thanks to the use of biometric data, and by supporting law enforcement authorities to prevent, detect, and investigate terrorism and other serious crimes.