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EU Entry/Exit System: Everything Travelers Need to Prepare For

Starting on October 12, 2025, the European Union (EU) will begin rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES), with full implementation by April 2026.

This new digital border management tool will replace traditional passport stamping with biometric records, transforming the way millions of eligible travelers experience border crossings.

As part of the EU’s broader modernization efforts, the EES works hand-in-hand with the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), making travel more secure, efficient, and transparent for visitors.

This guide walks you through EES’ purpose, application process, and frequently asked questions, ensuring that you’re prepared by launch date.

What is the EES?

The EES is a new digital border control system being rolled out across the EU starting in October 2025, with full implementation by April 2026. It replaces traditional passport stamping with a secure process that records biometric data, entry dates, and exit dates, making border checks more accurate and efficient for travelers.

Defining the EES

At its core, the EES is an automated IT system designed to register non-EU nationals traveling for short stays at Schengen external borders. Instead of relying on manual passport stamps, the system electronically records personal details and biometric identifiers, such as facial images and fingerprints, each time you cross into or out of Schengen territory.

This modernization ensures greater accuracy in tracking travel movements and helps prevent overstays.

Who Does the EES Apply to?

The EES applies to two main categories of travelers:

Visa-exempt travelers: This includes nationals from countries exempted from applying for a Schengen visa for short stays.

Short-stay visa holders: Those who require a visa to enter the Schengen Area for a limited duration.

If you fall into either group, you will be registered in the EES when entering a participating European country. Citizens of EU member states or Schengen-associated countries, however, are not subject to the system.

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What Counts as a Short Stay?

Under the EES, a short stay is defined as a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. This rule applies across all Schengen states, meaning the days you spend in France, Spain, or any other participating country are counted together, not separately.

The system will automatically calculate how many days remain for your stay, removing the guesswork from the process.

Countries Using EES

Once fully operational, the EES will cover 29 European countries, including all Schengen member states and associated nations. This ensures consistent travel rules and streamlined border checks across much of Europe.

Here is a summary of the countries where EES will apply:

Austria France Lithuania Slovakia

Belgium Germany Luxembourg Slovenia

Bulgaria Greece Malta Spain

Croatia Hungary Netherlands Sweden

Czechia Iceland Norway Switzerland

Denmark Italy Poland

Estonia Latvia Portugal

Finland Liechtenstein Romania

This wide coverage means that whether you’re planning a weekend in Belgium, a cultural trip to Austria, or a summer holiday in Spain, the EES will track your entries and exits across all participating states.

The text above is taken from ETIAS.COM