April 20, 2026
The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) began operations on 12 October 2025, with a progressive roll-out across 29 European countries. As of 10 April 2026, the EES has become fully operational.
This new digital border management tool will replace traditional passport stamping with biometric records, transforming the border-crossing experience for travelers.
EES system applies to
- Non-EU travelers entering Schengen area countries for short stays
- Visa-exempt travelers (U.S. citizens) and short-stay visa holders
- Under the EES, a short stay is defined as a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period
What to expect with the EES system:
- A fingerprint scan
- A facial image capture
- Collection of passport data such as your full name, date of birth, and travel document number
- Self-service kiosks or mobile applications may be available for pre-registration. Once registered, returning travelers can complete the process faster with stored biometric data
A detailed description of the system is available at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/what-is-the-ees