The Entry-Exit System (EES) will have a significant impact on Schengen Area border control. According to eu-Lisa, EES & ETIAS are ”the most influential electronic travel systems to be deployed worldwide”.
But what is the difference between EES and ETIAS, and what do they mean for travellers?
Both EES and ETIAS will contribute to Schengen border security. EES and ETIAS will modernize border control systems and make European destinations even safer.
EES is expected to go live in October 2025. It will be followed by ETIAS. Read on to find out more about the Entry-Exit System, how it differs from ETIAS, and how it will affect future travel to Europe.
WHAT IS THE EES?
The Entry-Exit System (EES) is being implemented by the EU. The system will register the entry, exit and any refused entries of third-country citizens crossing into Europe through the external Schengen borders.
The EES will support other border control systems in managing the influx of and recording data about travellers to and from the EU Schengen countries. It will apply to citizens of non-EU countries who visit short term. A short stay is defined as 90 days within any 180-day period.
Along with other European border schemes such as the ETIAS and the Visa Information System (VIS), the EES will improve and speed up border control processes as well as allow an enhanced detection of stolen identities and any nationals who overstay their permitted time.
WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF EUROPE'S EES?
The overall aim of the Entry/Exit System for Europe is to modernise border management. EES will achieve this by:
- Smarter borders—automation of checks and controls on visitors
- Centralised registration—movement across Schengen borders
By making border crossings more efficient and effective, the EES will increase security and help prevent serious crime. It will also help to reduce overstaying in the Schengen Area.
WHAT DATA WILL THE ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM GATHER?
To achieve its security aims, the following information will be collected by the EES:
- Full names
- Passport number
- 4 x fingerprint
- Photograph
Access to this data will be limited to Europol and authorities responsible for border and visa authorities.
Investigating authorities will also be able to consult information about border crossings and travel history.
THE ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM AND BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY
Biometric technology will be used to boost border security. Four fingerprints will be taken at the first check and cross-checked against data already held in the EES or VIS.
If the traveller does not yet have a file, one will be created. The passport photograph will be verified against the live facial image. Next time the traveller crosses a border, they will be able to do so using their face.
This is faster and more secure than passport stamping. Stamping passports is time-consuming and vulnerable to falsification. With the new eGates and self-service kiosks, identity fraud will be reduced.
HOW DOES THE EES DIFFER FROM THE ETIAS FOR EUROPE?
The EES will record the entrance and exit of all third-country nationals travelling to Europe, replacing manual passport stamping. This will facilitate border crossing control for border guards and quicken entry for non-EU nationals who will be able to access self-service kiosks similar to those available currently for EU citizens at Schengen entry ports.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver for Europe is a travel authorisation. It only applies to visa-exempt third-country nationals travelling to Europe.
ETIAS is similar to the US ESTA and will allow Europe to maintain a more efficient control of who travels to the EU and requests entry. It is a visa waiver system for Europe which will permit eligible citizens to obtain the appropriate European travel by filling out a simple online form.
ETIAS AND THE EES GATHER DIFFERENT INFORMATION
Another of the differences between the EES and ETIAS for Europe is the information collected through each process.
When applying for an ETIAS prior to visiting Europe, the traveller is required to complete an online ETIAS application form that requests personal data, contact details, passport information and asks some basic security questions.
On the other hand, the EES records biometric data including the facial image and fingerprints, of each traveller upon arrival and exit from the European Union.
ETIAS BEFORE TRAVEL, EES ON ARRIVAL AND EXIT
Finally, since it is a pre-travel requirement, the ETIAS will allow the EU to screen travellers before they arrive in Europe, against various security databases including the ETIAS Watchlist, Europol and Interpol to detect possible threats. ETIAS will only be granted to risk-free travellers.
In contrast, the EES will record information once the third-country national is entering or exiting the Schengen area. EES confirms that a traveller with a short-stay visa (single or double) has not already used the number of entries permitted.
ETIAS AND EES ARE QUERIED BEFORE BOARDING TRANSPORT
One similarity between the 2 systems is that carriers will query ETIAS and EES both before allowing a passenger to board. Airlines, sea carriers and coaches may only allow passengers to board if they are confirmed Ok to travel through the carrier interface.
Carriers will be responsible for ensuring the passengers they carry have a valid visa or travel authorisation.
WHEN WILL THE EU ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM START?
The EES will enter into operation in October 2025. The revised EES and ETIAS timeline was agreed on at the Justice and Home Affairs Council held in March 2025.
The system is being developed by eu-Lisa, the agency responsible for large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice in Europe.
An EES-ETIAS advisory group meets regularly to provide the eu-LISA with expertise regarding the EES and ETIAS. The group is made up of national project managers and is chaired by the eu-LISA.
MEMBER STATES ARE INSTALLING EES TECHNOLOGIES AT BORDERS
Member States are upgrading border crossing points in preparation for the new system.
Aerospace company Thales has been selected by the Spanish and French governments to provide EES software. Features will include fingerprint scanners and facial capture systems. It is being funded by the EU’s Internal Security Fund.
Other EU nations are also working on the implementation of document verification and biometric technologies at ports of entry.
Until the EES is launched, manual passport stamping will continue.
