The EU Entry-Exit System: What Travelers Should Know

What is the EU Exit-Entry System?

The European Union will soon roll out the Entry-Exit System (EES), a major upgrade to how non-EU travelers enter and exit the Schengen Area. Replacing manual passport stamps, EES introduces biometric and digital tracking to improve border security and efficiency.

By consistently collecting accurate entry and exit data, the EU aims to better manage travel flows and deliver a more seamless experience for visitors.

Launched on 12 October 2025, the EES registers key information for foreign nationals each time they cross an external EU or Schengen Area border.

Cailin McCaffery, case coordinator at Envoy Global, breaks down the latest updates to help travelers prepare for this major shift in European border control.

How EES Connects to ETIAS

EES is closely linked to the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will require visa-exempt travelers to obtain pre-travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area. ETIAS is currently targeting implementation in Q4 2026, following the launch of the EES. Once active, it will require visa-exempt travelers to obtain pre-travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area.

Together, these systems will establish a two-step entry process:

Authorization through ETIAS
Biometric registration via EES, including fingerprints and facial photographs

EES and ETIAS Timeline

EES launched on 12 October 2025, with a six-month phased introduction
ETIAS will begin six months after EES becomes operational, which means ETIAS is expected to launch in mid-2026

Travelers planning to visit Europe before mid-2026 will not yet be subject to ETIAS requirements. However, they may begin to experience components of the EES system, such as biometric passport scans and automated border kiosks, depending on the country of entry.

Does EES Have Fees?

The EES itself does not carry a direct cost for travelers. However, once ETIAS is active, visa-exempt travelers aged 18 to 70 will be required to pay a €20 fee to obtain travel authorization. This authorization will be valid for three years, or until the traveler’s passport expires—whichever comes first.

Where EES Will Apply

EES is currently being implemented across all Schengen Area countries, including those with land, sea and air borders. However, some exceptions remain:

Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area and will not participate in EES.
Croatia, although a Schengen member, is undergoing a phased rollout of border procedures, with full implementation expected by 10 April 2026.

For a full list of Schengen Area countries and their visa policies, see Envoy Global’s guide to Schengen visa countries.

Who Is Affected by EES

EES applies to:

Non-EU nationals entering for short stays (up to 90 days)
Visa-exempt travelers (e.g., U.S., Canadian, Australian citizens)
Travelers with short-stay visas

It does not apply to:

EU citizens
Long-term residents

What Travelers Should Expect: Biometric Entry

Upon arrival, travelers will:

Register biometric data (fingerprints and facial image)
Have their entry and exit dates recorded digitally
Be automatically checked for overstays or re-entry violations, as it also records previous entry refusals
No longer need to expect a time-consuming manual passport-stamping process

Frequent travelers may experience faster processing once enrolled, but initial visits could take longer due to biometric capture.

How a Biometric Entry-Exit System Works

At the core of the EES is biometric technology, which enables secure and efficient tracking of travelers across EU borders. Each time a non-EU national enters or exits the Schengen Area, EES will capture and store biometric and personal data—such as fingerprints and facial images—in compliance with EU data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This information will be retained for a limited period and used exclusively for border management and security purposes.

Business and Employer Considerations

Companies managing employee travel to Europe should:

Update travel policies to reflect EES and ETIAS requirements
Ensure employees understand new documentation and biometric procedures
Monitor compliance to avoid penalties for overstays or unauthorized entries

How to Prepare Travelers for EES

Here’s a quick checklist for travelers:

Confirm whether you need ETIAS authorization before travel
Ensure your passport is valid and biometric-ready
Allow extra time at border crossings for biometric registration
Stay informed about your destination country’s EES rollout status

Don’t Miss an Update

Navigating European travel and immigration is becoming increasingly complex, especially with new systems like the EU-EES and ETIAS reshaping border procedures. Travelers and employers alike need more than updates—they need trusted, proactive guidance.

At Envoy Global, we combine smart, friendly legal teams with smart, friendly technology to facilitate immigration for companies and the global talent they depend on. Our holistic, proactive immigration services are built for accuracy and efficiency, always putting people first.

Reach out today to learn how we can support your company’s immigration needs and help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving environment.