EES

About the EES

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a European Union border management database that records the entries and exits of third-country nationals crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area. It is not a visa or a pre-travel authorisation; it is a border infrastructure system operated across Schengen member states to monitor compliance with short-stay rules and identify overstays.

At each crossing of a Schengen external border, EES registers the traveller's biometric data — fingerprints and a facial image — alongside travel document details and the date and location of entry or exit. The system replaces passport stamping as the primary mechanism for tracking compliance with the short-stay rules applicable to the Schengen Area.

EES applies to all third-country nationals regardless of visa status — Schengen Visa holders, ETIAS holders, and visa-exempt nationals are registered at each external border crossing. EU citizens, EEA nationals, and holders of Schengen member state residence permits are outside the scope of the system. EES is established by EU Regulation 2017/2226 and is administered by eu-LISA.

Key facts

• Records biometric data — fingerprints and a facial image — along with travel document details and entry/exit dates
• Applies to all third-country nationals regardless of visa status (Schengen Visa holders, ETIAS holders, and visa-exempt nationals)
• EU citizens, EEA nationals, and Schengen member state residents are outside the scope of EES
• Replaces passport stamping as the primary mechanism for tracking compliance with Schengen short-stay rules
• Data accessible to authorised border, immigration, and law enforcement authorities in Schengen member states
• Established by EU Regulation 2017/2226; administered by eu-LISA; fully operational from 10 April 2026