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Entry/Exit System (EES) Germany
Immigration lawyer explains the EU Entry/Exit System (EES).
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What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
how the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) works
Legal background to the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and digitalization
1. What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?
2. How does the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) work?
3. EES and digitalization
4. EES other countries
5. FAQ EES
6. Conclusion EES
1. What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system of the European Union that digitally records the entry and exit of third-country nationals at the external borders of the Schengen Area . It applies to travelers staying in the Schengen area for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period – regardless of whether they enter with or without a visa. The aim is to make border controls more modern, efficient, and secure.
The EES will gradually replace the traditional passport stamp with a digital system. Biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images, as well as travel data, will be electronically recorded upon each entry and exit. This will allow for verification of whether a person has exceeded their permitted length of stay, whether entry has been refused, or whether identity theft has occurred. The system will launch on October 12, 2025, and is expected to be fully implemented at all external borders by April 10, 2026 .
2. How does the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) work?
Many people wonder how the EES works. Each time a traveler enters a participating EU country, their personal data—including their name, travel document, biometric features, and the purpose of their trip—is collected and stored in the EES . The same applies upon exit or in the event of refusal of entry. This creates a complete chronology of all border crossings for each person concerned, including information on the permitted length of stay.
The system does not distinguish between visa-required and visa-free short-term stays – it applies to all third-country nationals with short-term residence permits. Exemptions include, for example, persons with long-term residence permits, diplomatic status, or certain family members of EU citizens. Thanks to this comprehensive registration, identity fraud, overstaying, and security risks can be detected more effectively.
3. EES and digitalization
The EES is a central component of the digital transformation of European border management . It enables more precise and faster processing through simplified procedures and the option of pre-registration. Instead of time-consuming visual checks and passport stamps, the EES offers automated and traceable recording of all border crossings by third-country nationals.
The new digital infrastructure not only increases travel convenience but also relieves the burden on border authority staff. At the same time, it ensures improved tracking of irregular migration and strengthens security in the Schengen area. Border officials and law enforcement agencies gain faster access to relevant travel data to better assess potential security risks . At the same time, however, the system has also been criticized for data protection reasons .
4. EES in other countries
The Entry/Exit System is being gradually introduced in all Schengen states with external borders, including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, and many other EU and EEA states. The system affects a total of 29 European countries that have committed to joint implementation. This also includes non-EU members such as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Other countries outside Europe, such as the USA and Canada, already have similar systems for recording entries and exits . The EU's goal with the EES is to harmonize external border policy, increase transparency in travel, and more efficiently control the flow of people. In the long term, the system will also be linked to other EU databases such as ETIAS and VIS to enable integrated border management.
5. FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Entry/Exit System (EES)
When does the EES start?
The system will be introduced from October 12, 2025, and fully operational by April 10, 2026.
Who is affected by the EES?
All third-country nationals who wish to stay in the Schengen area for a short stay – regardless of whether they enter with or without a visa.
What data is collected?
Travel document data, biometric data (fingerprints, face), entry and exit dates, and the decision on entry are stored.
Which countries participate in the EES?
All EU Member States with external borders as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
6. Conclusion: The EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
Just like ETIAS, the EES marks an important step toward digital border control within the EU. For travelers, this means greater convenience, shorter waiting times, and stricter and more transparent monitoring of their length of stay. Its introduction from October 2025 will require third-country nationals to adapt to new border procedures. For people requiring visas or without EU citizenship, it is important to understand the system's functionality and legal basis. If you are unsure about the length of stay, registration requirements, or possible exceptions, early consultation with lawyers specializing in migration law is recommended. VISAGUARD helps you stay on top of things.