1. What is the EES?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system being introduced by the European Union and is planned to take effect in 2025. It is being implemented to register and track the movements of non-EU nationals entering and exiting the Schengen Area. This includes travellers from the UK, USA, Canada, and other non-EU countries.
The Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries (including Spain, France, Italy, and Germany) that have abolished internal borders, allowing for seamless travel between them. However, external borders are strictly controlled, and the EES is part of the EU’s efforts to modernise and strengthen border security.
The EES will replace the current manual stamping of passports, which is time-consuming and prone to errors. Instead, it will use advanced technology to record entry and exit data electronically, making border crossings faster and more efficient.
2. Data Held by the EES
The EES will collect and store specific information about non-EU travellers entering and exiting the Schengen Area. Here’s a breakdown of the data it will hold:
Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth, nationality, and gender.
Travel Document Details: Your passport number, type, and country of issuance.
Biometric Data: Facial images and fingerprints (for travellers aged 12 and above).
Entry and Exit Records: The date and place of your entry and exit from the Schengen Area.
Travel History: A record of your previous entries and exits, including any overstays or refusals of entry.
This data will be stored for three years after your last entry into the Schengen Area. If you overstay your permitted 90 days within 180 days, the system will flag this, which could affect your ability to re-enter the EU.
The EES is designed to enhance security, prevent illegal immigration, and make border checks more efficient. However, it’s important to note that your data will be protected under strict EU data protection laws.
3. How Will the EES Work? What’s New During Border Checks?
If you’ve travelled to the EU before, you’re probably familiar with having your passport stamped at border control. The EES will replace this manual process with a fully automated system.
Here’s how it will work:
Step 1: Arrival at the Border
When you arrive at an EU external border (e.g., an airport in Spain), you’ll approach an automated kiosk or a border control officer.
Step 2: Data Collection
Your passport will be scanned, and the system will automatically retrieve your personal information.
If it’s your first time using the EES, your facial image and fingerprints will be captured. This biometric data will be stored in the system for future trips.
Step 3: Entry Record
Once your data is verified, the system will create an entry record, noting the date, time, and place of your arrival.
Step 4: Exit Record
When you leave the Schengen Area, the system will automatically record your exit. If you fail to check out (e.g., if you leave through a non-automated border), your exit may not be recorded, which could lead to issues during future trips.
3. What’s New?
No More Passport Stamps: The EES eliminates the need for manual passport stamps, speeding up the process.
Biometric Checks: Facial recognition and fingerprint scanning will become standard for non-EU travellers.
Automated Alerts: The system will flag overstays or individuals with a history of immigration violations.
While the EES may sound futuristic, it’s designed to make border crossings smoother and more secure. For most travellers, the process will be quick and hassle-free.
4. FAQs About EES
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the Entry-Exit System EES:
Who will the EES apply to?
The EES applies to all non-EU nationals travelling to the Schengen Area, including UK, USA, and Canadian citizens. EU citizens and residents are exempt.
When will the EES start?
The EES is expected to launch in 2025, though an exact date hasn’t been confirmed yet.
Will I need a visa to travel to the EU?
No, the EES doesn’t change visa requirements. UK, USA, and Canadian citizens can still travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
What happens if I overstay my 90-day limit?
The EES will automatically flag overstays, which could result in fines, bans, or difficulties re-entering the EU.
Do children need to provide biometric data?
Yes, but only children aged 12 and above must provide fingerprints. Facial images will be taken for all travellers, regardless of age.
Will the EES apply to all EU countries?
The EES applies to the Schengen Area, which includes most EU countries (e.g., Spain, France, Germany) but excludes Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus.
How long will my data be stored?
Your data will be stored for three years after your last entry into the Schengen Area.
Can I opt out of providing biometric data?
No, providing biometric data is mandatory for all non-EU travellers aged 12 and above.
Will the EES affect my travel plans?
The EES will make border crossings faster and more efficient for most travellers. However, some initial delays may occur as people get used to the new system.
What if I have dual citizenship?
If you’re an EU citizen with dual nationality, you can travel using your EU passport, which exempts you from the EES.
Conclusion
The Entry-Exit System EES is a significant step in modernising border control within the Schengen Area. While it may seem a little daunting initially, the system is designed to make your travels smoother, safer, and more efficient.
For UK, USA, and Canadian citizens planning trips to Spain or other EU countries, the EES won’t change much about how you travel—other than replacing passport stamps with biometric checks. Just keep track of your 90-day limit and follow the new procedures at the border.
So, pack your bags, brush up on your Spanish, and get ready to explore the wonders of Europe—knowing that the EES is there to make your journey a little easier.
Safe travels!
We are going to Lanzarote on the 30th September BEFORE the EES system starts on the 12th October. We leave on the 14th October AFTER the new system has started. What will we do?
Hi Eric,
My understanding is that you are not required to do anything at the present moment, There is no pre registration or cost with EES. It simply means that when it is in force your biometrics data, passport and fingerprints etc will be registered on entering and exiting Spain at airport customs. Most of the main entry points in Spain already capture this data from non EU citizens on entering and exiting. Also the new ETIAS travel system doesnt start untill the later part of 2026. Enjoy your holiday… Matt 🙂
Hi
How can Spanish passport control determine the number of days you have been in the Schengen zone if you have had to get a new passport. Are stamps while manual, still documented electronically? Old passport had entry and exit stamps into Spain. New passport obviously does not. Just curious how to manage the 90/180 rule without stamps in passport.
Great question Caro — this confuses a lot of travellers. Here’s how it actually works:
Entry/exit data isn’t only in your passport.
Even though you see manual ink stamps at Schengen borders, the information is entered into a central EU database (called the Schengen Information System and national border-control systems). When an officer stamps your passport, they also scan the document or enter the details electronically. That electronic record — not the stamp — is what Schengen countries rely on to calculate your 90/180 days.
New passport = new number, but they still link you.
When you’re issued a new passport mid-trip or between trips, it has a different number, but your personal details (name, date of birth, nationality) remain the same. Border control officers can see your previous entries and exits under your old passport when they scan your new one. They may ask to see the old passport to speed things up, but even without it they can check the system.
How to manage the 90/180 rule yourself.
Keep your old passport and carry it with you, especially if you’re close to your limit. Show it proactively at the border so the officer can see the continuity of your travel. You can also use the EU’s online Schengen calculator (Google “EU Schengen calculator”) to track your days. It’s the most accurate way to avoid overstaying.
So, yes — the manual stamps you see are still recorded electronically, and your travel history doesn’t disappear just because you have a new passport. Carry the old one for clarity, but rest assured they can usually see your record in their system.
Hi Matt. I am arriving in Spain on 11th October, day before EES comes into force.
I will be leaving on 22nd October. What will I have to do
Hi Mary, As I understand it, you won’t need to do anything extra. You’ll enter under the old system and leave under the new one, but border staff will handle the transition seamlessly. No need to register biometrics, fill forms, or pre-register. If you are entering Spain via one of the main airports they are already registering people netring Spain using BioMetrics anyway so even more reason not to worry.