Overview of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
Travel to Europe is set to undergo a major transformation in the coming months. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which began its phased implementation on 12 October last year across 29 European countries, will become fully operational from 10 April 2026. This new system will replace traditional passport stamps with digital records of entries, exits, and even refusals of entry for non-EU visitors.
The EES will collect biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints, alongside personal information from the travel documents used by visitors. This initiative aims to modernise border security and immigration processes within the EU, while also helping to reduce crime, fraud, and the identification of potential security threats.
Since the system’s launch, over 24,000 individuals have been denied entry due to issues like expired or fraudulent documents, or failing to provide sufficient justification for their visit. Additionally, more than 600 people have been flagged as posing security risks to Europe.
If you’re planning a trip to Europe in the next few months, it’s essential to understand how this new system will affect your travel experience.
Who Is Affected by the EES?
The EES applies to non-EU/Schengen citizens traveling to Schengen or EU countries for short stays of up to 90 days within an 180-day period. This includes UK citizens and visa-exempt travelers, regardless of whether they are visiting for tourism or business. It also covers individuals who own property in the EU but do not have a residence permit.
However, Ireland and Cyprus are exempt from using the EES, meaning they will continue with manual passport checks. Certain groups are also exempt, including:
- Citizens of EU and Schengen member states.
- Individuals with long-term visas or residence permits from these countries, including non-EU nationals.
- Family members of EU nationals holding a residence card from one of these countries.
- Local residents with valid Local Border Traffic Permits.
- Train and plane crew members on international journeys.
- Armed forces personnel and their families on Partnership for Peace or NATO business.
- Day-trippers on cruises that begin and end outside the Schengen area.
Additionally, nationals of Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, and Monaco will not be subject to the EES.
Potential Delays at Airports
There may be significant delays at airports during the initial phase of the EES’s full operation. Despite the EU’s promise of some flexibility to manage peak summer queues, airport associations have reported waiting times reaching up to two hours during busy periods, with some airports experiencing even longer lines.
One key factor contributing to these delays is that all third-country passengers have been required to register through the EES since 31 March. Previously, border control authorities could suspend the EES process during peak times, but this will no longer be possible after 10 April. As a result, travelers should plan to arrive at the airport one and a half to two hours earlier than usual to account for EES-related delays.
While these delays are expected to ease over time as the system becomes more efficient, airport and airline associations are urging the European Commission to allow border controls to partially or fully suspend the EES during the 2026 summer season if necessary.
Do You Need a Biometric Passport for the EES?
Biometric passports are not strictly required for the EES, but they are necessary for using self-service kiosks to speed up registration and entry. Standard passport holders must use manned booths for initial registrations and provide a photo and fingerprints. This data will be stored for three years, making future checks much quicker. Travelers who refuse to provide biometric data will automatically be denied entry.
Children under 12 are not required to provide fingerprints but still need to have a photo taken.
Pre-Registration for the EES
You do not need to register for the EES in advance, as the process occurs at the border upon arrival in the EU. The registration method depends on whether you have a biometric or standard passport, as outlined above.
However, there is an option for faster processing: the Travel to Europe mobile app, an official EU app designed specifically for the EES system. This app allows third-country travelers to pre-register biometric photos and passport data 72 hours before arrival, speeding up border checks. It does not replace the required border control interview.
Currently, the app is available in countries like Portugal and Sweden, with plans to expand it across the EU. The app can be downloaded from Google Play or the Apple App Store, requiring users to complete an entry questionnaire and take a selfie to confirm their identity.
