Travel authorisations / EES

EU Entry/Exit System (EES): what to expect

The Entry/Exit System is the EU's digital border record for non-EU nationals on a short stay. It started on 12 October 2025, has been fully operational at every external Schengen border crossing since 10 April 2026, and replaces stamping your passport. There is nothing to apply for and no fee. Facts checked on 25 October 2026.

EES at a glance

Who is registered	Non-EU nationals entering for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180)
Where	The 29 Schengen countries
What is taken	Passport details, fingerprints, a facial image, and the date and place of each entry and exit
Children	Under 12s give no fingerprints but are photographed
Cost	Free, nothing to apply for in advance
Records kept	Three years after each exit or refusal
Replaces	Passport stamps, from 10 April 2026

Who is not registered

Citizens of EU countries and of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino, and holders of a Vatican City or Holy See passport.
Holders of a long-stay visa or residence permit issued by one of the 29 countries. Those issued by Cyprus or Ireland do not exempt you.
Non-EU family members of an EU, Icelandic, Liechtenstein, Norwegian or Swiss citizen who hold a residence card or residence permit.

Exempt travellers still show their passport, with their long-stay visa or residence permit where they have one.

Your 90 days are now counted for you

With every entry and exit recorded, the system works out how long you have stayed and flags overstays automatically. Check your own dates before you book with our free Schengen 90/180-day calculator. If you need a visa for the trip, see our Schengen visa guide; if you travel visa-free, read about ETIAS, which is expected in the last quarter of 2026.

Data from the moment you clear the border

Install a Slashtel Europe+ eSIM before you fly. It works in all 29 Schengen countries, plus the UK and Turkey, your own number stays on for calls and bank codes, and the QR code arrives by email in minutes.

See Europe eSIM plans

Questions

Do I need to apply for the EES before I travel?

No. There is nothing to apply for and nothing to pay. You are registered at the border the first time you enter one of the 29 participating countries for a short stay.

What happens at the border?

Your passport is scanned and your fingerprints and a facial image are taken, along with the date and place of entry. On later trips your record is checked and each entry and exit is added to it.

Do children have to give fingerprints?

Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting under the EES regulation. They are still photographed and have a digital record.

How long is my EES record kept?

Each entry, exit or refusal record is kept for three years after the date of the exit or refusal, under the EES regulation.

Is the EES the same as ETIAS?

No. The EES records border crossings. ETIAS is a separate online travel authorisation for visa-free visitors, with a fee of EUR 20, which is not yet operating and is expected in the last quarter of 2026.

Does the EES count my 90 days?

Yes. Because every entry and exit is recorded digitally, the system calculates how long you have stayed and flags anyone who stays longer than allowed. You can check your own days with our Schengen calculator.

Sources

Slashtel is not a government agency. Checked 25 October 2026; rules can change, so confirm on the official sites before you travel.