The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations on 12 October 2025. European countries using the EES will introduce the system gradually at their external borders. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.
What is the Entry/Exit System?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated information technology (IT) system used to register non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross an external border of a European country using the EES*. This is done whether they need a short-stay visa or not, unless exceptions apply. Refusals of entry are also recorded in the system. The EES generally replaces time-consuming passport stamps and automates border control procedures, making travel to European countries using the EES more efficient.
*European countries using the EES are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
In Cyprus and Ireland, passports will continue to be stamped manually.
For more details, visit: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees