The European Union is set to complete the rollout of its new Entry Exit System this week, with full implementation due from Friday, April 10th.
The system, known as the EES, has been introduced gradually since October 2025 across external borders in 29 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, 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.
It is designed to digitally record the movements of non-EU nationals travelling for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Under the new arrangements, passport stamps will be replaced by an automated system that logs each entry, exit and refusal of entry. Travellers will be required to provide personal data from their travel documents, along with biometric information including facial images and fingerprints.
“The EES will help track who comes in and out of the Schengen Area, using fingerprint and face data to stop people from overstaying, using fake identities or misusing visa-free travel,” the EU stated.
Among the listed “benefits” of the policy are that “the EES will give border officers and law enforcement authorities access to important traveller information, helping them to spot security risks and support the fight against serious crimes and terrorism.”
The system applies to non-EU nationals, including those who require a visa and those who do not. Each crossing of the EU’s external border will be recorded, creating a centralised digital record of travel movements.
Officials say the changes are intended to modernise border management and improve efficiency at crossing points. The system includes self-service options and the possibility for travellers to provide some information in advance, which is expected to reduce waiting times over time.
The EES is also intended to strengthen oversight of migration flows. By tracking entries and exits, authorities can identify individuals who overstay permitted periods or attempt to enter using false identities. Biometric data is used to support identification and verification processes.
According to figures released during the rollout phase, more than 24,000 people have already been refused entry under existing checks linked to the system, including cases involving invalid documentation or insufficient justification for travel. More than 600 individuals were identified as potential security risks during this process.
Data collected under the system includes names, dates of birth, travel document details, and records of border crossings. Biometric data is stored in a shared system used across participating countries. Authorities including border and immigration officials, as well as law enforcement bodies, may access the data under specific conditions.
The EU states that the system operates within established data protection rules. Personal data is retained for defined periods, typically three years, with automatic deletion after the retention period expires.
“The person who is illegally staying in the Schengen area must be subjected to return procedures in accordance with the Return Directive 2008/115. As a general rule, preference will be given to voluntary departure,” the EU website reads.
If a person tries to re-enter the Schengen area after staying for over 90 days in the past 180, they will be refused.
“The person will be refused entry at the border,” the site states.
“Also, the data on refusal of entry shall be registered in the EES or, where the person is not subject to EES registration, a cancelled entry stamp shall be affixed in the passport.”
Travellers who refuse to provide biometric data will be denied entry. Individuals also have the right to request access to their data and to seek corrections where necessary.
The full implementation of the EES marks a significant change in how the EU manages its external borders. While the system is expected to streamline processes over time, officials have indicated that initial adjustments at border crossings may occur as the final phase comes into effect this week.