The EU Entry/Exit System (EES), explained
The EES is the EU’s automated system for registering non-EU nationals on short stays each time they cross an external border of the countries using it. It became fully operational on 10 April 2026.
What it records
- Your name and travel document details
- Your fingerprints and a facial image (biometric data)
- The date and place of each entry and exit
- Any refusal of entry
If you hold a short-stay visa, your fingerprints are already in the Visa Information System and aren’t stored again. If you refuse to give biometric data, you’ll be refused entry. Sources: European Commission, travel-europe.europa.eu.
Overstays
- The EES replaces passport stamps and allows automatic detection of overstayers.
- If you stay longer than permitted, your data is automatically added to a list of overstayers that passport control, immigration officers and visa staff can see.
- Depending on national law, consequences can include removal, fines or detention, or being prevented from re-entering.
- If you overstayed for unforeseeable reasons such as hospitalisation, you can give evidence to the authorities and your record can be corrected.
How long your data is kept
| Record | Kept for |
|---|---|
| Entries, exits and refusals of entry | 3 years from the date each record was created |
| Your individual file | 3 years and 1 day from your last exit (or refusal of entry) |
Source: travel-europe.europa.eu: data held by EES. The page lists other cases, such as when no exit is recorded.
EES and ETIAS aren’t the same
ETIAS is a separate travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors to 30 European countries. The official ETIAS site says it is not in operation yet and isn’t collecting applications. The EU will announce the start date several months in advance, and it will cost EUR 20. Be wary of sites charging for ETIAS now.
Source: travel-europe.europa.eu/etias, checked 22 October 2026.
Timeline
- 20 Nov 2017 EES Regulation adopted (in force 29 Dec 2017)
- 26 Jul 2025 Rules for a progressive start of operations enter into force
- 10 Apr 2026 EES fully operational