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What EES is
The Entry/Exit System is the EU's automated register for non-EU nationals visiting for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). Every time you cross an external border of one of the 29 participating countries, it records your name, travel document, the date and place of entry or exit and your biometric data: a facial image and fingerprints.
It replaces manual passport stamping. Because the system counts your days automatically, overstays are much easier to spot.
Timeline
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| 12 October 2025 | EES starts, rolled out gradually at external borders |
| 10 April 2026 | Fully operational at all external border crossing points |
What happens at the border now
- First visit since EES: your passport is scanned, your face photo is taken and your fingerprints are recorded. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.
- Later visits: your face is checked against the stored record, which is usually faster.
- Some airports use self-service kiosks for the first registration, with a border officer finishing the check.
Does this change my passport or visa photo?
No. EES takes its own live photo at the border. You still need a compliant photo for your passport or Schengen visa application, and that photo must match how you look today. A photo that is old, heavily edited or doesn't look like you is more likely to cause questions now that a live face check happens at the border.
Counting your 90 days
EES is strict about the 90/180-day rule. Keep track of your days, especially if you travel to Europe often. Overstays are now recorded automatically.
EES and ETIAS
EES is running now. ETIAS, the online travel authorisation for visa-free visitors, is a separate system with no official start date yet.
Questions
Is EES running now?
Yes. It started on 12 October 2025 and has been fully operational at all external Schengen borders since 10 April 2026.
Does EES replace passport stamps?
Yes. Entries and exits are recorded digitally instead of being stamped in your passport.
Do I need to register for EES before I travel?
No. Registration happens at the border on your first crossing.
Sources
Checked on 2 Nov 2026. Prices and rules change; always confirm with the official source before you apply. SnapToSubmit is an independent service, not a government website.