The EU’s Exit and Entry System (EES): What You Need to Know

As the world grows increasingly digitally interconnected, managing borders efficiently and securely has become a top priority.

The European Union (EU) is no exception. To streamline the monitoring of people entering and leaving the Schengen zone, the EU has introduced a high-tech and secure solution: the Entry/Exit System (EES).

This system, in addition to others like ETIAS and Schengen visas, helps keep the Schengen area secure.

If you're planning to visit Europe or regularly travel within the Schengen zone, it's essential to understand how this system works and how it might affect your travel experience.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the EU’s EES and how it will modernize and enhance border control for non-EU travelers.

What Is the EES in Europe?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border management system created by the European Union that will automatically register travelers entering and leaving the Schengen area.

This new border management technology is designed to improve the efficiency and security of borders by replacing the old system of manual passport stamping when passing through border control.

You can think of the EES sort of like a scanner. When you pass through it, you’ll scan your passport. This scan will digitally record the date, time, and place of your entry and exit.

Historically, every time a non-Schengen area resident entered the Schengen area, they’d have their passport stamped manually by border control. While it’s fun for the traveler to collect stamps, manual reviews and stamping of passports can lead to inconsistencies and human error.

With the implementation of EES, the process will be fully digitally automated, providing greater accuracy, reducing fraud, and potential visa overstays.

Why is the EU implementing the EES?

The EES has been developed to address several key issues:

• Border security: The Schengen area has very secure borders and is dedicated to continued optimization. With a digital record of entries and exits, authorities can more easily track people overstaying their visas and take action if needed. They will also be able to track (and respond) to crime with more accuracy.
• Streamlining border processes: This system should reduce waiting times at Schengen borders by making the entry and exit process faster and more efficient. It replaces the need for manual stamps and will be particularly beneficial at busy airports and land border crossings
• Accurate monitoring: For third-country nationals (anyone who isn’t a member of the EU or Schengen area), the EES will automatically calculate how long they have been in the Schengen area, making it easier to comply with the 90 days within 180 days rule.
• Support for law enforcement: The data collected by the EES will help in criminal investigations by providing accurate information on who entered or exited the Schengen area and when.

Once EES is fully up and running, authorities and travelers should benefit from a safer, more secure, and efficient traveling experience.

How does EES work?

The EU EES operates by capturing four key pieces of data for every traveler from a non-EU country (this includes travelers from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, China, India and others).

• Biometric data: This includes facial images and possible fingerprints.
• Passport information: Details from your passport will be scanned electronically and securely.
• Entry and exit details: The system records the date, time, and border crossing point for both entry and exit.
• Visa information: If you are required to have a visa to enter the Schengen area, this information will also be linked to your EES profile.

When you cross an external EU border, the EES system will log all of this data automatically, streamlining your movement in and out of the Schengen area.

Are there any benefits to the EES System?

1. Faster processing times

With automated, digital checks, travelers should expect a smoother experience at border control, helping to reduce long queues and wait times.

2. More accurate records

By digitally tracking each entry and exit, the EES ensures that travelers adhere to their visa requirements.

3. Enhanced security

The biometric data collected will add an extra layer of security, making it harder for someone to enter or exit Europe using forged documents or someone else’s passport.

4. Data sharing for law enforcement

The EES will also aid law enforcement by providing reliable and up-to-date data on travelers, which can help combat serious crimes like human trafficking and terrorism.

How will the EES impact travelers?

For most travelers, the EU EES will simplify the entry and exit process by automating it.

However, if you're someone who regularly visits Europe for extended periods, you’ll need to be even more mindful of the 90-day limit within a 180-day period. The system will automatically flag any overstays, and penalties could be enforced more swiftly.

Also, because the EES system relies on biometric data, travelers might be asked to provide facial scans at border checkpoints. This information will be stored securely in the EES database and used to verify your identity during future visits.

Additionally, EES will take the place of border patrol attendants who manually stamp passports.

When does EES go into effect?

The EES was initially scheduled to launch in 2022 but has been delayed due to technical and administrative challenges.

As of now, the system is expected to become fully operational by the end of 2024 and is already operational in some locations. This will apply to all external Schengen borders, whether you're entering the Schengen area by air, sea, or land.

Will EES Replace ETIAS?

No, the EES and ETIAS are two separate systems that, while related, address entirely different topics and needs.

While the EES focuses on logging the movement of travelers into and out of the Schengen area, ETIAS is a pre-screening system.

ETIAS will require visa-exempt travelers (like US citizens) to apply online for travel authorization before entering many countries in Europe. Once in Europe, travelers from abroad will pass through EES.

Together, these systems aim to create a more secure and efficient border control process for Europe.

Key Takeaways for EES Europe

• EES stands for Entry/Exit System.
• The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital system that tracks entries and exits for non-EU travelers to the Schengen area.
• Instead of passing through border control and having an attendant manually stamp your passport, you will pass through an automated border kiosk.
• The EES will collect biometric data, including facial images, along with passport and visa information.
• EES aims to streamline border processes, improve security, and prevent overstays by automatically calculating the length of stay.
• The EES is expected to be operational by the end of 2024.
• EES is not replacing ETIAS. They are separate systems that will coexist together to enhance the security and integrity of the Schengen zone.
• Travelers do not need to prepare for EES or do any work ahead of time. EES is simply a new process at the border.