Entry/Exit System (EES): Definition, Operation, and Upcoming Implementations

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new electronic system developed by the European Union under Regulation (EU) 2017/2226. Its primary goal is to register the entry and exit times and locations of travelers entering the territories of participating European countries, providing a more accurate method for monitoring the duration of authorized stays. The EES is set to be officially implemented on November 10, 2024, as announced by EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson.

The system will replace the traditional manual passport stamping process with an advanced digital system capable of collecting and storing both personal and biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images. This will allow for better management of migration flows and more efficient control of travelers entering and leaving the European countries that are part of the Schengen Area.

Participating countries in the EES

The EES will be applied in 29 European countries, including both European Union members and other Schengen Area-associated states. These countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Information registered by the EES

The system will register a range of relevant data for each traveler, including:

- Full name

- Type of travel document

- Biometric data (fingerprints and facial images)

- Date and place of entry and exit from the participating countries

This information will be stored in a centralized system for access by immigration and security authorities, optimizing border controls and allowing for quick identification of potential issues related to compliance with immigration laws.

Who is affected by the EES?

The EES is specifically designed for third-country nationals, meaning individuals who are not citizens of the European Union or the Schengen Area. It will apply to:

- Visa-exempt travelers who do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) in Schengen countries

- Travelers holding a valid Schengen visa

Operation of the EES at the Border

Travelers will be able to register through self-service kiosks available at some border points. This process will be quick and digital, reducing the need for manual passport stamping. Once registration in the system is complete, travelers will need to pass through the usual passport controls, where a border officer will verify the information and may ask additional questions before granting or denying entry.

Future implementations: ETIAS

The EES is part of a broader effort by the European Union to strengthen and modernize its border management. An additional step will be the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), scheduled for 2025. This system will require visa-exempt travelers to obtain travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area, similar to other electronic authorization systems worldwide.

This set of measures is aimed at improving security and efficiency at the borders, as well as reducing the number of illegal stays in the Schengen Area, providing better control over travelers' movements throughout the region.

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