EU Entry/Exit System Begins Progressive Roll-Out at External Borders

How the system works

Where the EES is in place, travellers have their passport data, biometric data (a facial image and fingerprints) and the date and place of entry and exit recorded. Registration takes place at the first entry and first exit, with a faster verification on later crossings. Some countries may use self-service systems to automate parts of the process.

During the roll-out Member States decide at which border crossing points to deploy the system and when, and passport stamping continues alongside it. The Commission said the system will provide reliable data on border crossings and systematically detect overstayers and cases of document and identity fraud.

Timetable

The progressive roll-out runs until 9 April 2026. From 10 April 2026 the EES is due to be fully operational at all external border crossing points, and passport stamping will be replaced by electronic records. The EES forms part of the EU Smart Borders package together with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the wider use of automated border control gates.

Who is affected

The system applies to non-EU nationals travelling for short stays, including business travellers, contractors and staff attending meetings or events in the Schengen area. Employers that send visiting staff to Europe should allow extra time for registration at the first crossing after the system goes live at the relevant border point and check the official Travel Europe guidance, which the Commission is using alongside information campaigns at airports, other border crossing points and consulates. The Commission and the EU agency eu-LISA will continue to support Member States during the deployment.

Sources

• European Commission press corner: The EU's Entry/Exit System progressively starts operations on 12 October 2025
• European Union: Travel Europe, Entry/Exit System