Travel in Europe with the New European Entry/Exit System (EES)

22.10.2025 Public Affairs Team, EU Delegation to Zimbabwe

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) has entered into operation at the external borders of 29 European countries. The system will be introduced gradually during a six-month transition period and will be fully operational from 10 April 2026. During this time, passports continue to be stamped while the electronic registration system is phased in at border crossing points.

Overview

The EES has been designed for non-EU nationals visiting Europe for short stays. Travellers holding a visa, as well as those who are visa-exempt for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, will have their entries and exits registered electronically. In addition, a traveller’s photograph and fingerprints will be stored in the system. These data will allow identities to be verified securely, preventing false documents or incorrect matches. As a result, border checks will be carried out more quickly, more accurately, and more safely, while safeguarding travellers’ fundamental rights.

Once fully operational, the EES will modernise border management across Europe. It will make it easier to track authorised stays, detect cases of overstay, and identify fraudulent identities. At the same time, it will enhance security and contribute to the fight against organised crime and terrorism. For travellers, this means shorter waiting times, clearer information, and a smoother travel experience.

To further ease border crossings, automation will be introduced. Many countries are planning to install self-service kiosks at their external borders. Travellers with biometric passports will be able to register their data themselves, check whether their details are already stored in the system, and then proceed directly to a border officer for verification. This will reduce time-consuming manual procedures and shorten queues.

The EES represents an important step forward in European border management: faster, safer, and more transparent. For travellers, it means easier journeys; for Europe, a stronger security system.

A more streamlined border check for European travel

The European Entry/Exit System is a border check for non-EU nationals travelling to the Schengen area of 29 European countries for short stays.

It is a way of making travel to Europe more efficient and secure. The new Entry/Exit System will commence operations on 12 October 2025. This means data will begin to be collected at border crossing points of participating countries from that date and the EES is expected to be fully operational by 10 April 2026.

To learn full details go to the official EES website.

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

With a population of 450 million, the Schengen countries have abolished passport and border control at their mutual borders. This creates a zone of free movement between them for citizens, residents and visitors.

As the streamlined border management system for the European Union, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is the key to travel in Schengen Area countries.

Follow the link to learn more about the Schengen Area.

Who is the EES for?

The Entry/Exist system is for non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay to a European Schengen-area country. Exemptions apply. Follow the link to visit the official EES site for a full list of exemptions.

What does the EES do?

The EES is a border check at the external border of the European Union/Schengen Area. The goal is to speed up border checks and to improve internal security.

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.

What kind of information does the EES require?

EES collects data already listed in your travel document, the date and place of each entry & exit and biometric data. This information will make border checks more efficient and secure.