From 12 October 2025, the 29 European countries using the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will gradually implement the system at their external borders over a period of six months.
The EES is the new European border management system, designed to register third-country nationals travelling for a short stay whenever they cross the external borders of 29 European countries.
During this gradual implementation, travellers’ data may not be collected immediately at every border crossing point. When the EES is fully implemented, it will be fully operational at all external border crossing points.
The EES will register third-country nationals travelling to European countries using the EES for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
The European countries using the EES are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Greece, Estonia, Italy, Iceland, Spain, the Netherlands, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
Travellers’ data are recorded in the EES, regardless of whether they require a short-stay visa or are visa-exempt travellers. Entry bans are also recorded in the system.
What data is collected by the EES?
The data collected by the EES are personal data from the travel document, such as name, date of birth, nationality, date and place of each entry into and exit from the 29 European countries using the EES, biometric data, such as facial image and/or fingerprints, and information on any entry ban, where applicable.
Travellers’ data will be collected and stored in full compliance with EU data protection rules and rights. Travellers’ data may be accessed by…
Border authorities, visa authorities and immigration authorities of European countries using the EES;
Law enforcement authorities of European countries using the EES and Europol;
Under strict conditions, travellers’ data may be transferred to another country within or outside the EU or to an international organisation;
Carriers, only to check whether holders of a short-stay visa have already used the number of entries allowed by their visa.
National Facilitation Schemes
European countries using the EES may establish National Facilitation Schemes to facilitate border crossings for third-country nationals who travel frequently to Europe. These programs can be implemented in one or more European countries.
Who is exempt
The EES does not introduce new requirements for people who can move freely throughout Europe. In particular, the EES does not apply to:
Nationals of European countries using the EES, as well as nationals of Cyprus and Ireland
Nationals of third countries who are holders of a residence card and who are related in a direct line to a national of an EU country
Nationals of third countries who are holders of a residence card or permit and who are related in a direct line to a national of a third country who can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen
Nationals of third countries who travel to Europe in the context of an intra-corporate transfer or for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange or educational programmes and employment as an au pair
Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas
Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and holders of a passport issued by Vatican City State or the Holy See
Those exempted from border controls or granted specific privileges with regard to border controls
Holders of a valid local cross-border traffic permit
Members of the staff of passenger and freight trains on international routes with intermediate stops.
