Regulation: Entry/Exit System (EES) Implementation in the Schengen Area

Non-European Union citizens traveling to the Schengen area will soon be required to use a new automated biometric system, replacing the traditional passport procedures. This new system, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), will be implemented on Sun, Oct 12, 2025, and will apply to 29 countries within the region. It is expected to be fully operational by Apr 10, 2026.

Overview of the Entry/Exit System (EES)

The EES is a digital border control system aimed at tracking non-EU citizens entering and exiting the Schengen zone. This area consists of 25 EU member states and four non-EU countries, facilitating freedom of movement with no internal border checks.

The system applies to non-EU citizens on short-stay visits to the Schengen zone, defined as stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Citizens from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, who typically do not need a visa for short stays, will also be subject to EES procedures.

The EES will not apply to:

• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus.
• Holders of Vatican City State or Holy See passports.
• Non-EU nationals with residence permits in EU countries, including Ireland and Cyprus.
• Non-EU nationals traveling for research, study, voluntary services, or au pair services.
• Travellers with residence permits or long-stay visas for Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino.
• Individuals with local border traffic permits, and certain crew members and privileged persons exempt from border checks.

Functionality of the EES

Upon entering the Schengen area, non-EU travellers will be directed to an immigration booth or kiosk at entry points such as airports and train stations. Here, their passport data, including name, nationality, and biometric information like facial images and fingerprints, will be recorded. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.

The EES will document both entry and exit, storing biometric data for three years, extended to five years if visa rules are violated. Managed by the EU Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems (eu-LISA), the EES aims to enhance border control efficiency.

Frontex, the EU border agency, will introduce an EES app to facilitate pre-registration of biometric details, potentially reducing wait times. Countries like Sweden, Portugal, Italy, Hungary, and Greece have shown interest in the app, with Sweden confirming its use at selected border points.

Purpose of the EES

The European Council introduced the EES to enhance the efficiency of external border controls, curb visa overstays, reduce identity fraud, and manage irregular migration. The system is designed to identify and manage non-EU nationals who overstay their visas or permits, potentially leading to re-entry bans.

Impact on Asylum Seekers

For asylum seekers, biometric data is managed separately through the Eurodac system. However, there are concerns about the potential future implications of EES on asylum seekers’ rights and entry conditions.

Privacy Considerations

The EES will comply with EU data protection standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Access to collected data will be restricted to relevant authorities, and data may be shared with external entities only under specific circumstances.

Future Visa Waiver System (ETIAS)

The EES will precede the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), slated for a 2026 launch. ETIAS will apply to citizens from visa-exempt countries. A fee of 20 euros will be required, with certain exemptions. The ETIAS waiver will not guarantee entry, as border officials retain the right to verify compliance with entry requirements.