What is EES (Entry/Exit System)?

Jul 24, 2024

Entry and Exit System (EES) : Definition, Participating States and FAQs

The Entry and Exit System (EES) is a new electronic system of the European Union established by Regulation (EU) 2017/2226. The EES will register the entry and exit times and locations of travelers entering the territory of European countries participating in the system. Additionally, it will automatically calculate the duration of each traveler’s authorized stay.

This new system is expected to become operational by November 2024. The implementation of the EES aims to enhance border management and security across the European Union by providing more accurate tracking of third-country nationals’ movements and duration of stay.

Which European Countries will be using EES ?

So far there are 29 European Countries that will be using the EES.

What kind of information does the EES register?

The EES system will register a range of personal information for each traveler, including:

• Full name
• Type of travel document
• Biometric data (fingerprints and facial images).
• Date and location of the traveler’s entry into and exit from the European countries participating in the system.

The implementation of the EES will replace the current requirement for border authorities to manually stamp travelers’ passports or travel documents. This shift towards an electronic registration system aims to streamline border crossing procedures and enhance the overall efficiency of border management across the EU.

FAQs about the EES (Entry/Exit System)

Note: The EES isn’t active yet.

Q1. Does the EES apply to all travellers?
No, it doesn’t. It’s important to clarify that the EES doesn’t apply to all travelers entering European countries. The EES registers the entry and exit data for non-EU nationals who are traveling to a European country that is part of the EES, and more specifically, the EES will apply to non-EU nationals who either:

• Are visa-exempt, meaning they do not require a visa for short-term visits to the EU.
• Hold a valid Schengen visa.

Q2. I am travelling to Italy and other European countries for less than 90 days. Do I have to do anything before I travel?
No, there is no action required from your side before your trip to Europe. Travellers will be asked to use the dedicated ‘self-service system’ equipment (if available) to register when crossing the border.

Q3. There will be further passport controls other than the EES?
Yes. EES is an electronic system that helps immigration authorities to collect data through it. Once passing the ‘self-service system’ equipment (if available), travellers can then go to a border control lane where the passport control officer will proceed with the regular checks. The passport control officer may then ask further questions before deciding to grant or refuse access to the respective territory.

Yuu Shibata

She is a Legal Counsel and she holds a Ph.D in Law (University of Bologna). She is specialized in European Union Law and she is the Head of the Japanese Desk and Spanish Desk. She is mother tongue Japanese and Spanish and speaks fluently Italian and English.

Related posts:

Schengen Handbook – Practical Guidelines for Border Guards How can I count my 90 days in the Schengen area? How to count your Schengen 90 days Schengen 90/180 days rule: how do you count your days?