New requirements to pass the external borders of Europe: EES
On 10 November 2024 all Schengen countries will start using the automatic Entry/Exit system (EES). This digital system will largely replace passport stamps throughout Europe. The EES applies to non-EU residents wishing to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
Digital database non-EU nationals travelling to and from Europe
The EES will serve as a digital database of the arrival and departure dates of non-EU nationals travelling to Europe for a short stay. It will keep records of non-EU nationals’ biometric data (facial photo and of non-EU visa exempt nationals also the fingerprints) and data from their travel documents. The EES will make Europe safer. The EES will not introduce any new requirements for people able to freely move throughout Europe.
European countries using the EES
- 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
- Switserland
In Cyprus and Ireland, passports will continue to be stamped manually.
Privacy
Travellers’ data will be collected and stored in full compliance with EU data protection rules and rights. Visit the EU website for more information on data protection and how you can exercise your rights in this respect. Visit the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee website for more information on how your personal data for the EES is processed.
Exemptions
The EES will not apply to:
- Nationals of European countries using the EES, as well as Cyprus and Ireland;
- Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national;
- Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card or a residence permit and are immediately related to a non-EU national who can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen;
- Non-EU nationals travelling to Europe as part of an intra-corporate transfer or for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au-pairing;
- Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas;
- Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See;
- Those exempt from border checks or who have been granted certain privileges with respect to border checks (such as heads of state, cross-border workers, etc.)
- Those holding a valid local border traffic permit;
- Crew members of passenger and goods trains on international connecting journeys.
Visit the EU website to learn more about the grounds for an exemption from the EES.
Benefits of the new system
- Automatically registers non-EU nationals who do not respect the maximum duration of their stay
- Provide precise information to non-EU nationals regarding the maximum duration of their stay in the territory of the European countries using the EES. An online ‘Web Service’ tool will enable such travellers to check the remaining duration of their authorised stay
- Where available, provide access to automated border control systems for travellers with a biometric passport
- Enhance the security of Europe’s borders.