Entry/Exit System Enhances EU Border Security and Travel

The European Union is set to modernize border control with the gradual rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated IT system designed for non-EU nationals traveling on short stays across 29 European countries.

Starting 12 October 2025, border authorities in participating countries will begin registering travelers’ data, including names, travel document information, fingerprints, facial images, dates, and places of entry and exit.

The system will also record instances of refused entry, ensuring enhanced security while respecting fundamental rights and data protection.

EES is intended to replace the manual stamping of passports, which is limited in its ability to detect over-stayers—travelers who exceed the maximum allowed duration of stay. By April 10, 2026, EES will be fully operational, offering real-time tracking of non-EU nationals at Europe’s external borders.

This modernization is expected to prevent irregular migration, strengthen border security, and facilitate more efficient travel for legitimate visitors.

Beyond security, EES aims to streamline travel for non-EU nationals. Automated border control and self-service systems, enabled by EES, promise quicker and more convenient processing. The system also allows authorities to more effectively detect document and identity fraud, as well as monitor compliance with visa and entry regulations.

These improvements form part of the EU’s broader Security Union strategy and align with the European Agenda on Migration, particularly regarding border management and the prevention of cross-border activities.

The concept of EES dates back to April 2016, when the European Commission proposed it as part of the Smart Borders Package. Following negotiations with the European Parliament and the Council, a legislative agreement was reached in July 2017.

The EES Regulation, along with amendments to the Schengen Border Code, was formally adopted on 20 November 2017 and came into force on 29 December 2017.

In December 2024, the Commission proposed a phased introduction of EES operations, which was subsequently agreed upon by co-legislators in May 2025. The temporary derogation framework, formalized under Regulation (EU) 2025/1534, entered into force on 26 July 2025, paving the way for the system’s launch on 12 October 2025.

With this rollout, the EU is embracing a technology-driven approach to border management, balancing security imperatives with a smoother, more efficient travel experience for visitors.