The European Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border control system introduced by the European Union for travellers from countries outside the EU, including the United Kingdom.
Previously, UK travellers entering the Schengen Area had their passports manually stamped each time they crossed a border. Under the new Entry/Exit System, this process has been replaced with a secure digital record.
Instead of receiving a passport stamp, border authorities now electronically record:
For most travellers, the process is straightforward. However, your first journey under EES may take slightly longer than previous trips because your biometric information needs to be registered.
Learn more about how the EES impacts different forms of entry into the EU by clicking here.
If you’re travelling to Europe for a holiday, city break, ski trip, cruise or business trip, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter EES during your journey.
The European Union introduced the Entry/Exit System to modernise border management and improve security across the Schengen Area.
Rather than relying on passport stamps, the digital system provides more accurate records of travellers entering and leaving Europe.
The aims of the Entry/Exit System include:
The European Entry/Exit System officially launched on 12th October 2025, with a phased rollout across participating Schengen countries.
During the first six months, individual airports, ferry ports and border crossings introduced the system at different times while preparations continued across Europe.
The rollout was completed on 10th April 2026, when the Entry/Exit System became fully operational across all participating countries. Since then, UK travellers entering or leaving the Schengen Area have completed the new digital border process instead of receiving passport stamps.
Although the system is now fully live, waiting times can still vary depending on:
If you’re travelling during school holidays, bank holidays or weekends, it’s sensible to allow extra time for border checks.
The Entry/Exit System applies to non-EU nationals travelling for short stays within the Schengen Area.
For most UK holidaymakers, this means yes — the system applies to you.
EES generally applies to travellers visiting participating countries for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period.
The Entry/Exit System applies to:
✅ UK passport holders
✅ Australian travellers
✅ Canadian travellers
✅ American travellers
✅ New Zealand travellers
✅ Other visa-exempt non-EU visitors
The Entry/Exit System does not apply to:
❌ Citizens of Schengen countries
❌ EU citizens
❌ People with valid residence permits issued by participating countries
❌ Ireland (which remains outside the Schengen Area)
If you’re planning to stay in Europe for longer than 90 days, different immigration rules may apply and you may require a visa or residence permit depending on your destination.
The Entry/Exit System applies when travelling to participating Schengen Area countries, including popular holiday destinations such as:
Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Greec, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Netherlands, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, plus more, see full list here.
It’s important to note that not every European country uses the Entry/Exit System.
For example:
Always check the latest entry requirements before travelling, particularly if you’re visiting multiple countries on the same trip.
