On November 10, 2024, the system of entry into the Schengen area will change — the Entry-Exit System (EES) will be launched at its external borders. It will affect all short-term visitors, including those who do not need visas.

EES is a new digitalized system for registering and allowing foreign nationals to enter the European Union who travel for short periods (up to 90 days in every 180 days). It will register both those entering on a short-term visa type C and those who have the right to visa-free entry.

The main objectives and capabilities of the EES system:

  • Speeding up border controls.
  • Strengthening security.
  • Capturing entries and exits, as well as refusals of entry.
  • Tracking compliance with the time limits of stay and identifying violators (especially overstayers).
  • Identification of forged documents.
  • Additional collection of personal data.

EES replaces passport stamps and automates border control procedures. The system will collect the following information: data from the travel document (name, date of birth, etc.); date and place of entry/exit; biometric data (photo and fingerprints); and information on refusal of entry (if any).

The EES system will operate in 25 EU member states, excluding Cyprus and Ireland, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

How it will work:

  • When entering an EU country, it will be possible to enter personal data via special self-service terminals (if installed at the given border crossing point).
  • It is also indicated that it will be possible to register in advance via a mobile application (if available in the countries of entry and exit).
  • Only biometric passport holders will be able to use such terminals. Entry with ordinary passports will also be possible, but it will be necessary to go straight to the border guard.
  • Those entering the EU for the first time, even with pre-registration, will still have to go to the border guard for the final decision on the pass.
  • In the future, biometric passport holders who have already used the EES will be able to pass through passport control automatically without a border guard.

Important changes:

  • Abolition of stamps in passports when crossing Schengen borders (except Cyprus and Ireland).
  • Automatic control for biometric passport holders after initial registration.
  • All entries and exits will be recorded electronically only.

EES does not apply to:

  • EU citizens and nationals of countries using EES.
  • Holders of residence permits and long-term visas.
  • Certain categories of travelers (diplomats, crew members, cross-border workers, etc.).

The full list of exemptions can be found here. 

The launch of EES has been delayed several times already, but now the EU Home Affairs Commissioner has officially announced a date of November 10, 2024.