Europe under digital control — what is the EES?

What is the EES?

EES (Entry/Exit System) is an automated system for recording entries, exits and refusals of entry for third-country nationals (that is, those outside the EU and the Schengen area). It will replace the familiar passport stamps with digital registration of border crossings.

The system’s purpose is to speed up border control, improve security and track periods of stay more accurately for foreign nationals.

Main functions of the EES:

• Scanning the passport and recording the date/place of entry or exit
• Collecting biometric data: fingerprints and a facial photograph
• Automatically counting the remaining days of stay
• Centralised data storage in an EU digital database

The system will operate at all external Schengen borders — at airports, seaports and land border crossing points.

Who does the EES apply to?

The system will apply to:

• Travellers from countries outside the EU (USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and others)
• Tourists with short-stay visas (type C)
• Holders of an ETIAS authorisation (more on it below)

The EES does not apply to EU citizens, residence permit holders or holders of long-stay visas. Diplomats, certain family members of EU citizens, and nationals of countries such as Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican are also excluded from the system.

How is the EES connected to ETIAS?

The EES and ETIAS work together, but perform different functions:

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an electronic travel authorisation for citizens of more than 60 visa-free countries. It is not a visa, but a preliminary security and health check of the traveller.

To obtain ETIAS, you need to:

1. Fill in the online application form
2. Pay the fee
3. Receive approval (usually within a few minutes)
4. Use the authorisation for 3 years (or until the passport expires)

ETIAS is also expected to launch in 2025, in parallel with the EES.

In which countries will ETIAS apply?

ETIAS will be required for travel to all Schengen Area countries, including:

• Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland and others
• Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein

For example, citizens of the USA, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, who previously entered without visas, will now have to obtain ETIAS before travelling.

Why is the EU introducing these systems?

The main goals are:

• Combating illegal migration
• Improving internal security
• Reducing abuse of the visa regime
• Digitalisation and speeding up border procedures

The EU aims to make life easier for bona fide tourists, while better controlling migration flows and risks.

What is important for travellers to know right now?

• Check whether you need ETIAS to enter the EU
• Familiarise yourself with the entry procedure under the EES if you are not an EU citizen
• Allow for possible delays at the border in the first period after the systems are launched
• Keep your information up to date: the exact launch dates will be announced closer to the end of 2025

✈️ A new level of control — without losing freedom

The introduction of the EES and ETIAS is part of the European Union’s large-scale digital transformation. The new rules may seem complicated at first, but in the long run they should simplify border crossing and make travel safer and more transparent.

Follow the news — and plan your trips to Europe with the new requirements in mind!