What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and how does it affect my trip?
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) records non-EU travelers' fingerprints and photo at Schengen borders. Learn who it applies to and how to prepare your trip1 stay.
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What is the EES?
EES is an automated IT system that records when non-EU nationals enter and leave Europe for a short stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It also records refusals of entry and automatically flags anyone who overstays. If you're planning a Europe trip and booking hotels on trip1, EES is simply part of the border check you'll go through on arrival and departure.
Who does EES apply to?
EES applies to non-EU travelers visiting for a short stay, whether they need a Schengen visa or are visa-exempt. It does not apply to EU and Schengen nationals, and many long-stay residents with a residence permit are also excluded.
EES operates in 29 countries: all EU member states except Cyprus and Ireland, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
What happens at the border
On your first crossing after EES started, a border officer or self-service kiosk scans your passport, takes your fingerprints, and captures a facial photo. Children under 12 don't give fingerprints, but their photo and passport are still checked.
On later trips, the system checks your fingerprints or face against your existing record, which is usually faster. Some countries also offer e-gates or an app to pre-register your data before you reach the border.
Border officers can still ask about your trip, such as where you're staying and when you leave. Keep your trip1 booking confirmation on your phone so you can show your accommodation address, and allow extra time at the airport for your first registration.
EES vs ETIAS
| Feature | EES | ETIAS |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Digital border record of entries and exits | Online travel authorization before you travel |
| Who | All non-EU short-stay travelers | Visa-exempt travelers only |
| Cost | Free, no application | EUR 20 (planned) |
| Status (Sept 2026) | Fully operational since 10 April 2026 | Not yet in operation, no start date confirmed |
The EU says it will announce the ETIAS start date several months before it launches, and no ETIAS applications are collected yet.
Important: You don't apply or pay for EES, and ETIAS isn't open yet. Ignore any website that charges you for EES registration or an early ETIAS application - check travel-europe.europa.eu and home-affairs.ec.europa.eu before you travel.
EU Entry/Exit System (EES) - FAQ
EES is the EU's digital border system for non-EU travellers on short stays in 29 European countries. Instead of stamping your passport, it records your passport details, fingerprints, facial photo and the date and place of each entry and exit, and flags anyone who overstays the 90 days in 180 limit. It has been fully operational since 10 April 2026.
No, there is nothing to apply for or pay before you travel. You register at your first Schengen border crossing. If you leave through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras, your details are taken at the border before you leave the UK. Some countries also offer kiosks or an app to speed things up.
No. The full registration with fingerprints and a photo happens on your first crossing, and your EES record is valid for 3 years. On later trips the system checks your fingerprints or face against that record, which is usually quicker, although you may still be asked for a fingerprint or photo each time you enter or leave.
Not yet. ETIAS is a separate authorisation from EES that UK citizens and other visa-exempt travellers will need once it launches, but as of October 2026 it is not in operation and no applications are being collected. The EU will announce the start date several months in advance, so ignore any website offering an early ETIAS application.
No, children aged 11 or younger do not have their fingerprints scanned, although they can be asked to have a photo taken and their passport is still checked. Older children and adults give fingerprints and a facial photo on their first registration, so allow extra time at the border when you travel as a family.