web analytics
Entry/Exit System

EU Delays Launch of Entry/Exit System (EES) for Non-EU Travelers

The European Commission has announced a delay in the launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES), a new automated system designed to track short-stay travelers entering and exiting the European Union. Originally scheduled to go live on 10 November, the system’s debut has been postponed following discussions with EU interior ministers.

While a gradual, phased introduction of the EES, starting with individual border points, was suggested, current regulations do not allow for this approach. Legal changes would be required to implement such a rollout. As it stands, the EES will not begin as planned on 10 November, and no new date has been confirmed.

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

First proposed in 2016, the Entry/Exit System has faced multiple delays. Its goal is to modernize border checks for non-EU travelers visiting the Schengen Area for short stays, replacing the traditional passport-stamping process. The system will apply to non-EU citizens traveling for tourism, business, or other short stays, allowing them to stay a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.

When the EES is implemented, non-EU travelers will be required to present their passports, have their photographs taken, and provide fingerprints electronically upon entry. The system will record every entry and exit in real time, sharing biometric data across the Schengen Area to help authorities monitor visa compliance and prevent identity fraud.

All EU countries, except Cyprus and Ireland, will participate in the EES. The four Schengen-associated countries—Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland—will also be included. In Cyprus and Ireland, passport stamping will continue manually for now.

Enhancing Border Security

The EES aims to strengthen border security across the EU by improving real-time data collection and monitoring. By providing a more accurate record of travelers entering and leaving the Schengen Area, the system will help detect visa overstays and enhance overall border management. Despite the current delay, the EES is expected to bring significant improvements in managing the flow of travelers and enforcing visa rules once fully operational.

Scroll to Top