System for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in 29 European countries<\/p>\n

The new Entry\/Exit System (EES) will start operations on12 October 2025. European countries using the EES will introduce the system gradually at their external borders. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The Entry\/Exit System (EES) is currently not in operation. It will start operations on\u202f12 October 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

EES will be an automated IT system for registering travellers from third-countries, both short-stay visa holders and visa exempt travellers, each time they cross an EU external border. The system will register the person’s name, type of the travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and captured facial images) and the date and place of entry and exit, in full respect of fundamental rights and data protection.<\/p>\n

It will also record refusals of entry. EES will replace the current system of manual stamping of passports, which is time consuming, does not provide reliable data on border crossings and does not allow a systematic detection of over-stayers (travellers who have exceeded the maximum duration of their authorised stay).<\/p>\n

EES will contribute to prevent irregular migration and help protect the security of European citizens. The new system will also help bona fide<\/em> third-country nationals to travel more easily while also identifying more efficiently over-stayers as well as cases of document and identity fraud. In addition to this, the system will allow a wider use of automated border control checks and self-service systems, which are quicker and more comfortable for the traveller.<\/p>\n

The European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA)<\/a> is responsible for developing and managing the system.<\/p>\n

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