The European Union is preparing to introduce the new Entry/Exit System (EES), a significant security measure designed to monitor the movement of third-country nationals into and out of the Schengen Area. This system aims to automate the tracking of border crossings for non-EU visitors by collecting biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, upon entry and exit, replacing the traditional process of wet-stamping passports.
Initially planned for 2022, the implementation of the EES has faced several delays. However, as of March 2025, the European Union has confirmed that the EES will now be launched in October 2025, following a ‘progressive start’ plan.
What Will the EES Do?
The primary aim of the EES is to prevent cross-border criminal and terrorist activity, but the system will also be used to track migration, monitor health situations, and provide Schengen countries with detailed, evidence-based data on the movement of non-EU citizens through the zone.
By electronically “tagging” passports as they enter and/or leave the Schengen area, the EES will monitor the movement of third-country nationals (including British citizens).
What Information Will the EES Check?
Primarily, EES will note biometric information from the chips in e-passports, plus facial recognition data and fingerprints. It will also record:
- Names
- Dates of entry and exit
- Record of refusal of entry
- Automatically calculated duration of stay
The EES also works in conjunction with ETIAS, Frontex, and Europol, sharing information to help make the Schengen Area a safer place. Information sharing with ETIAS will also show whether or not the traveller has the proper authorisation to enter (or exit) the country. The tie-in with the ETIAS Watchlist is key here – when a traveller makes an ETIAS application, sophisticated risk factor algorithms will decide whether or not to authorise the request or pass through for a more detailed manual evaluation. These algorithms could identify risks ranging from terrorism, criminal activity, public health issues, previous overstay or visa violations, all the way through to screening for illegally working or becoming a public charge. This addresses the question of how authorities will know if someone has overstayed or is working without the correct visa.
Who Will Have Access to the Data and How Long Will It Be Stored?
The information collected will allow the EU to quickly identify and locate visitors who have overstayed their 90 days, as well as anyone subject to a security alert or illegal migrants with fake or illegal documentation. The data collected will be stored for three years for travellers who respect the rules on short stays and for five years for those who overstay. EES data can be accessed by border control, visa-issuing authorities, and law enforcement, amongst others, all under strict conditions and oversight.
Operational Scope and Timeline
The EES is now scheduled to begin operation in October 2025. This follows a ‘progressive start’ plan, indicating a phased implementation. The EES will be operational in 25 of the 27 EU countries, as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. However, it will not be implemented in Ireland or Cyprus.
Good to Know
EES will only operate at external Schengen borders and apply to non-EU citizens travelling to the EU. Non-EU citizens who already legally reside in the Schengen area do not need to use the new system, but just like with ETIAS, will need to be able to show proof of residency in the EU country. The phased implementation of the EES has also led to the Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) rollout being postponed to early 2026.
For the most current information, it’s advisable to consult official EU sources or travel advisories as the implementation date approaches.
Will all EU countries implement EES?
Based on the sources, the only countries in the EU who will NOT implement the EES are:
- Ireland
- Cyprus
Therefore, the EES will be operational in the majority of EU member states as well as several non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen area, but it will not be implemented in Ireland or Cyprus.