The EU Entry/Exit System (EES), explained

Short answer: The EES is the EU's digital border record for non-EU visitors. It started on 12 October 2025, became fully operational on 10 April 2026, and replaced passport stamps. It records your passport details, fingerprints, a facial image, and the date and place of every entry and exit, and uses them to count your 90 days automatically.

General information, not legal advice. Last checked 15 Oct 2026; rules can change. Official source: European Commission — Entry/Exit System (EES).

Key dates

12 October 2025: progressive start — countries began using it at some border crossings.
10 April 2026: fully operational; passport stamping replaced (European Commission).

What happens at the border

On your first crossing since the EES started, an officer (or a self-service kiosk) takes your photo and scans your fingerprints. Your passport is not stamped. On later crossings your face and fingerprints are only checked, which is quicker (How the EES works). If you refuse to give biometric data, you will be refused entry.

What it records and for how long

Your passport details, facial image and fingerprints
The date and place of each entry and exit, and any refusal of entry
Records are kept for 3 years; if no exit is recorded, for 5 years from the end of your authorised stay (Data held by the EES).

Who it applies to

Non-EU nationals on a short stay in the 29 countries using it — whether they need a visa or not. It does not apply to EU, Icelandic, Liechtenstein, Norwegian or Swiss citizens, to holders of residence permits or long-stay visas, or to nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino, among others (full list). Cyprus and Ireland do not use the EES and still stamp passports.

What it means for the 90/180 rule

The rule is the same. What changed is that your days are now counted automatically from the EES record, and staying too long is flagged automatically. The EU offers an online stay checker using your passport number, but it does not reflect time in Schengen that began before 10 April 2026 — keep your own record for earlier trips.

Travelling from the UK? On Eurostar, Le Shuttle and ferries from Dover, French border checks — including EES registration — take place in the UK before you board, so allow extra time.

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Common questions

When did the EES start?

It started progressively on 12 October 2025 and became fully operational on 10 April 2026, when it replaced passport stamping.

Does the EES cost anything?

No. There is no fee for EES registration. It is separate from ETIAS, which will cost EUR 20 once it starts.

Do Cyprus and Ireland use the EES?

No. Passports are still stamped manually in Cyprus and Ireland.

Can the EES tell me how many days I have left?

Yes, for stays it has recorded. The EU's online stay checker uses your EES record, but it does not reflect time in Schengen that began before 10 April 2026, so add older trips yourself.

Did the EES change the 90/180 rule?

No. The rule is the same: at most 90 days in any 180-day period. The EES only records your entries and exits digitally and counts the days automatically.