Who will be affected by the EES system?

This new system will digitally record the entry and exit of nationals from so-called third countries travelling on the basis of a visa-free travel or a Schengen visa. The system will register the data from the travel document, the date and place of each entry and exit, the biometric data of the foreigner and information on whether he or she has been denied entry. It will replace stamps in passports.

What will the new system look like?

At border crossings, special self-service devices will be newly installed, which will scan biometric passports. If the foreigner does not have a biometric passport or if the self-service device has not yet been installed, it will be necessary to take fingerprints and take a portrait photo by a passport control officer. Both data will then be digitally recorded in the EES.

Why is the EES being established?

The system is primarily aimed at increasing security in the Schengen area. The digitalisation of European border management increases the efficiency of border controls and thus identifies criminal suspects or victims. The system also simplifies the identification of people who stay in European countries longer than they are allowed to or use a false identity.

And what awaits us next?

The implementation of the EES will be followed by the ETIAS system, which is scheduled to become operational in the last quarter of 2026. Pre-travel registration in ETIAS will be a must for all third-country nationals who are exempt from the visa requirement for short stays in the Schengen area. The registration will be tied to the foreigner’s travel document and will be valid for up to three years (or until the passport expires). You can read more about this obligation in our article The implementation of ETIAS is imminent. Why is it important for travelling to Europe?.