Entry/Exit System

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a system of the European Union (EU) for the automatic electronic monitoring and recording of border crossings of third-country nationals (non-EU/EFTA citizens) at all border crossings of the Schengen Area. The system, operated by eu-LISA, became operational at all Schengen Area border checkpoints on 10 April 2026, at which point passport stamps were discontinued for entries to and exits from the Schengen Area. The system stores information including name, date of birth, fingerprints and biometrics for facial recognition, and locations and times of border crossings in a database. The introduction of the EES and mandatory collection of biometric data for non-EU/EFTA citizens has caused severe bottlenecks, with passengers at certain border points facing up to five-hour wait times. Some airlines and airports called for the system's suspension, amid ongoing technical disruptions.