Travel to the Schengen Area
Consult all the information you need for your trip to one of the Member Countries.
EES: the new European Entry / Exit system
The Entry / Exit System (EES) is the new European border control system for registering the entry and exit of non-EU nationals travelling* to Europe for a short stay (up to a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period).
* Non-EU nationals: travellers not holding the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
As of 12 October 2025, the EES is being gradually introduced at the external border crossing points of the 29 European countries. From 10 April 2026, the EES will be fully operational.
Non-EU nationals must provide their personal data whenever they reach the external borders of European countries using the EES.
This system aims to make border controls safer and more efficient, replacing manual passport stamping with an automated digital registration system.
To whom does the EES apply?
Non-EU nationals, regardless of whether they need a short-stay visa or they are visa-free travellers, for a short stay (up to a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period).
What data is collected by the EES?
- Personal data from the travel document, such as full name, date of birth, nationality;
- Date and place of each entry to and exit from the 29 European countries using the EES;
- Biometric data such as facial image and / or fingerprints;
- Information on refused entry, if applicable.
How does EES registration work?
To register in the EES, the traveller must present their travel documents and provide biometric data.
The process may vary depending on whether performed manually by a passport control officer at the border or at a self-service kiosk. Self-service kiosks are only an option for passengers with biometric passports, but do not replace a final check by passport control officers.
Manual check
1 - Registration and collection of biometric data
The traveller presents their travel documents and personal data (name, nationality, date of birth, sex) directly to the passport control officer.The passport control officer collects biometric data (facial image and / or fingerprints), recording them in the EES.
2 - Confirmation and decision
The passport control officer checks the collected data, asks any further questions, and grants or refuses entry into the Schengen Area by completing the registration in the system.
1 - Registration and collection of biometric data
The traveller presents their travel documents and personal data (name, nationality, date of birth, sex) directly to the passport control officer.The passport control officer collects biometric data (facial image and / or fingerprints), recording them in the EES.
2 - Confirmation and decision
The passport control officer checks the collected data, asks any further questions, and grants or refuses entry into the Schengen Area by completing the registration in the system.
Self-service kiosk
1 - Registration and collection of biometric data
The traveller follows the on-screen instructions for collection of their personal data (name, nationality, date of birth, sex) and to provide their biometric data (facial image and / or fingerprints).The system automatically records the information, which will then be verified by a passport control officer.
2 - Confirmation and decision
After using the self-service system, the traveller goes to a border control lane. The passport control officer confirms all the collected data. The passport control officer asks any further questions and grants or refuses entry by completing the registration on the EES.
1 - Registration and collection of biometric data
The traveller follows the on-screen instructions for collection of their personal data (name, nationality, date of birth, sex) and to provide their biometric data (facial image and / or fingerprints).The system automatically records the information, which will then be verified by a passport control officer.
2 - Confirmation and decision
After using the self-service system, the traveller goes to a border control lane. The passport control officer confirms all the collected data. The passport control officer asks any further questions and grants or refuses entry by completing the registration on the EES.
Refer to EES frequently asked questions
All citizens of countries that do not belong to the European Community (EC), when transiting between two Member Countries of the Schengen Area, must hold a Schengen Visa.
Please see the listings below for more information and visit the European Commission website to learn more about Schengen Area borders and visa access conditions.