EES: the EU Entry/Exit System explained
EES is the border system you meet on arrival in Europe today. Here is what it is, who it affects, what happens at passport control, and how it relates to ETIAS.
In brief
ETIAS at a glance
- Status
- Live (fully operational)
- Operational since
- 10 April 2026
- What it records
- Facial image, fingerprints, document data
- Who it affects
- Non-EU short-stay travellers
- Do you apply?
- No, automatic at the border
- Cost
- Free
- Replaces
- Manual passport stamps
- Related system
- ETIAS (separate, not live yet)
Is EES live yet?
Yes. EES began a phased rollout on 12 October 2025 and has been fully operational since 10 April 2026. It now runs at external Schengen borders, so most non-EU travellers arriving in Europe are already being recorded by it.
What is the EU Entry/Exit System?
EES is the EU’s automated border-control system. It logs when non-EU travellers enter and leave the Schengen area, replacing the manual passport stamp with a digital record. The record links your passport to your facial image, fingerprints and travel-document data, so border officers can see your entry and exit history and how much of the 90 days in any 180-day allowance you have used.
What happens at the border with EES?
On your first crossing after EES went live, you register at a booth or self-service kiosk: the system takes a facial image and fingerprints and reads your passport. That builds your EES file. On later trips the check is quicker because your record already exists and only needs updating.
Who does EES apply to?
EES applies to non-EU nationals travelling to the Schengen area for short stays, whether they are visa-exempt (for example UK, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders) or travelling on a Schengen visa. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens using their right of free movement are not recorded by EES. For the specifics by passport, see EES for UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens.
Do I need to do anything for EES?
No. There is no application, no online form and no fee. EES is handled entirely at the border. The one practical step is to allow a little extra time at passport control, especially on a first crossing while your biometrics are captured.
How to prepare for EES
- Carry the passport your trip is booked on; EES links to that document.
- Allow extra time at the border on your first crossing after EES went live.
- Expect a facial image and fingerprints at a booth or kiosk the first time.
- Keep track of your 90 days in any 180-day Schengen allowance; EES makes overstays easier to detect.
Is EES the same as ETIAS?
No. They are two separate systems that will eventually work together. EES runs at the border and is live now. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation you apply for online before you go, and it is not live yet (expected Q4 2026). For a side-by-side breakdown, see EES vs ETIAS, and for the ETIAS timeline see ETIAS status.
How EES and ETIAS will fit together
Once ETIAS launches, a typical trip will involve both: you apply for ETIAS online before leaving home, then your arrival is logged by EES at the border instead of stamped. ETIAS is the permission to travel; EES is the record of the journey.
Get an alert when ETIAS opens
We’ll alert you when ETIAS applications open. No passport details. No payment before launch.
EES FAQs
Is EES live yet?
Yes. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational since 10 April 2026, after a phased rollout that began on 12 October 2025. It now runs at external Schengen borders.
What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?
EES is the EU’s automated border system. It records non-EU travellers’ entries and exits using a facial image and fingerprints, replacing the manual passport stamp. There is nothing to apply for; it runs at the border.
What does EES record at the border?
On your first crossing after EES went live, the system records your facial image, fingerprints and travel-document data. Later crossings are quicker because your record already exists.
Do I need to apply or pay for EES?
No. EES is automatic at the border and free. There is no application and no fee. Allow a little extra time at passport control on your first crossing while your biometrics are captured.
Is EES the same as ETIAS?
No. EES is a border system that records entries and exits, and it is already live. ETIAS is a separate pre-travel authorisation that is not live yet and is expected in the last quarter of 2026.
Related pages
Get ready for ETIAS before it becomes mandatory
ETIAS is not live yet. Check whether you’re likely to need it and we’ll alert you when applications open.