The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new border management system set to launch in 2025. Its main goal is to strengthen security and make travel to the Schengen Area more efficient. The EES will replace traditional passport stamps with digital records, collecting information about travelers entering and exiting the region. This change will help track the duration of stays and improve border control processes.

In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about the EU EES system, from how it works and who will be affected to how it will impact travel in the Schengen Area.

This is what we will cover:

What is Entry/Exit System (EES) 

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a border management system set to be introduced in 2025 by the European Union to strengthen security and improve efficiency at its external borders. It is part of the EU’s efforts to modernize border control processes and replace traditional passport stamps with digital records. The EES applies to non-EU nationals traveling to and from the Schengen Area, which includes most European countries. Those with an EU residence permit will also be exempt from EES registration.

How does the EES work?

The EES system digitally records the entry, exit, and refusal of entry of non-EU nationals traveling to and from the Schengen Area. This means travelers with EU citizenship are not subject to EES checks. Here’s how it functions:

  • Biometric data collection: Travelers’ biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, are captured at border control points.
  • Digital record creation: The system creates a digital record of each traveler’s entry or exit, including their personal details, travel document information, and the date and time of crossing the border.
  • Automated cross-checking: The EES cross-checks the data against security databases to detect any irregularities, such as overstaying or false documentation.

To find out more about getting EU citizenship

Click Here Arrow Icon

Why is your data collected in the EES?

The Entry/Exit System collects your data to improve security, speed up entry, and make sure visitors follow the rules in the Schengen Area. It helps:

  1. Identify overstays: Track travelers’ stay duration to prevent overstaying visa limits.
  2. Strengthen security: Enhance monitoring and identification of potential threats.
  3. Improve efficiency: Speed up border checks with automated systems.
  4. Maintain accurate records: Store reliable data on travelers entering and exiting the Schengen Area.

Which data are collected by the EES?

required documentsThe EES system requirements will need the following data from non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area:

  1. Biometric Data: Fingerprints and facial images.
  2. Identity information: Full name, date of birth, and nationality.
  3. Travel document details: Passport number, type, and issuing country.
  4. Entry and exit information: Date, time, and border crossing point of entry or exit.
  5. Stay details: Information on the permitted duration of stay to track compliance with visa or visa-free travel limits.

How will you be informed about the processing of your personal data?

You will be informed about the processing of your personal data in the Entry/Exit System (EES) through clear and specific measures:

  1. Notices at border points: Information will be displayed at all border control checkpoints, explaining the purpose of data collection, the type of data collected, and how it will be used.
  2. Access to privacy policies: Authorities will provide detailed privacy notices, outlining your rights under EU data protection laws, such as the right to access, correct, or delete your data.
  3. Acknowledgment during border procedures: When your data is collected, border officers or automated systems will inform you that the EES is recording your information for entry and exit purposes.
  4. Compliance with GDPR: The EES adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring transparency and accountability in data processing.

How long does the EES keep your personal data?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) will keep your personal data for a maximum of three years. After this period, your data will be automatically deleted. This retention period allows authorities to track entries and exits to the Schengen Area but ensures that your personal information is not kept longer than necessary. The data is securely stored and managed in compliance with EU data protection laws.

How will the EES affect the Schengen Area's short stay rules? 

The Entry/Exit System (EES) will change much besides make tracking short stays in the Schengen Area easier. It will automatically record when non-EU travelers enter and leave. This helps ensure travelers stick to the 90 days within 180 days rule.

Frequently Asked Questions about the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES is a border management system that will replace traditional passport stamping with digital records. It will track the entry and exit of travelers in the Schengen Area and will be implemented in 2025.

Why is the EES being introduced?

The EES is designed to strengthen security and improve the efficiency of border control processes within the Schengen Area. It will help monitor how long travelers stay and improve the overall management of borders.

Who will be affected by the EES?

The EES will apply to non-EU nationals traveling to the Schengen Area, including countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, among others. It will not affect EU citizens, who will continue to follow existing border procedures.

How will the EES impact travelers?

Travelers will no longer receive traditional passport stamps when entering or leaving the Schengen Area. Instead, the EES will record digital information to track the length of their stay and ensure compliance with Schengen rules.