The new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) hopes to improve border security for countries in the EU, and their neighbours, by recording data from each traveller from their travel documents and biometrics (fingerprints and face). It also aims to reduce illegal migration, as well as automating border control checks to stop EU visitors from overstaying. It is hoped this will make border checks faster and more efficient.
When it is fully implemented, travellers arriving for a short stay (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) to a country in the Schengen area*, must register their biometric data, such as a photo and fingerprints. They will also be asked questions about their stay, in the same way as happens currently. Their data will then be stored for up to three years, under the responsibility of the country at whose border it was recorded. They will not need to register again during this period, but when they cross the border again (for example, to leave or if they return within the three years), a fingerprint or photo will be required to enter or exit.
Currently, children below 12 years old need to provide the same details as adults, including a facial scan, but do not need to provide their fingerprints. There is no cost for using the EES, and there is no need for UK travellers to do anything before they arrive — although it is recommended to keep travel documents and details handy (such as the address of where they are staying).
However, non-EU travellers visiting Sweden have the option to pre-register their facial image and passport data through the Travel to Europe app, where they can also fill in in the entry questionnaire in advance. Pre-registration is possible 72 hours prior to entering or leaving a European country. Additional countries may implement the app later.
The EES rollout, which started in October 2025, was initially planned to be fully implemented by April 2026 but this has been pushed back to September 2026 to allow time to troubleshoot issues, purchase equipment, and redesign airport layouts. Several European airports were unable to cope with the increased demands and delays caused by the new system, with Lisbon Airport forced to suspend EES checks for three months. The delays caused by this reportedly resulted in wait times of up to seven hours. There is also a contingency period of 90-days with a possible 60-day extension to cover the peak summer months. During this time, EU member states will be able to partially suspend using EES where necessary.
In the UK, the government will support the Port of Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel with £3.5 million each to be spent on new kiosks and infrastructure. The Common Travel Area (CTA) shared between the UK, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man will not be impacted by the EES, so UK and Irish citizens moving within the CTA will not need to register.
While the EES is a prelude to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), its widespread adoption is another example of biometric data becoming a more reliable and trusted medium for personal credentials verification. Once it is fully up and running, with the appropriate staffing and setup, it is hoped that the EES will streamline the border control process and provide a convenient and safe way for visitors to travel.
In much the same way, using Tensor's facial recognition and biometric scanners can quickly onboard your staff and make their clock-ins and access management easier. Find out more at https://www.tensor.co.uk/access-control/biometric-access-control.
Find out more about the EU Entry/Exit System at travel-europe.europa.eu/ees, and read the UK Government guidance at gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system.
*Countries in the Schengen area are: 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.