The European Union is rolling out a major change to how travelers enter and exit Europe, introducing a fully digital border system known as the Entry/Exit System (EES).
The system first launched on October 12, 2025, as part of a phased rollout across 29 European countries. It will become fully operational on April 10, 2026.
Under the new system, traditional passport stamps will be replaced with digital records. Border authorities will now store traveler information electronically, including biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images.
What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border control system used across the Schengen Area. It records when non-EU travelers enter and leave Europe for short stays.
The goal is to improve security, reduce identity fraud, and make border checks more efficient. Under EES, authorities collect:
- Facial image
- Fingerprints
- Passport details
- Entry and exit dates
- Records of refused entry, if applicable
This information is securely stored and checked each time a traveler crosses the border.
How the Entry/Exit System Works
The process is designed to replace manual passport stamping with digital tracking:
- Arrival at the border: Your passport is scanned
- Biometric data collected: Fingerprints and facial image are recorded
- Data stored digitally: Entry is logged electronically
- Exit recorded: Your departure is automatically tracked
- Future travel: Existing records may speed up future border checks
Early data shows strong impact. Since launch, more than 45 million crossings have been recorded, with 24,000 travelers refused entry and 600 individuals flagged as security risks. Some were denied entry due to incomplete documents, unclear travel purpose, or suspected fraud.
For travelers, the system is expected to speed up border checks over time by reducing manual processes. However, biometric checks will become a standard part of entering and leaving Europe.
The EES will also work alongside the upcoming ETIAS travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers.
