29 European countries including Ireland, have started introducing Europe’s new digital border system – the Entry/Exit System (EES) at their external borders.
Since 12th October, European countries have started electronically registering the data of non-EU nationals crossing their external borders for short stays (90 days in any 180-day period). They will do so progressively, for a period of six months.
For this progressive roll-out, the authorities of the 29 European countries have decided at which Border Crossing Points they will start deploying the system and when. At the end of this period, the EES will be fully deployed at all Border Crossing Points and passport stamps will be replaced with electronic records in the system.
Since the EES has been operational, travellers are now required to provide their passport information, facial image, and fingerprints at the border upon their first entry or exit. For subsequent entries and exits, only a quick verification will be needed. Additionally, some countries may choose to implement self-service kiosks to further automate their border processes.
The progressive start enables European countries to benefit from the new system, whilst ensuring that border authorities, the transport industry and travellers can adjust to the new procedures.
The EES provides national authorities with real-time information on who enters the EU and when, marking a significant step in modernising and strengthening the security of the EU’s borders. Once fully operational, the system will also detect overstayers and cases of document and identity fraud, ensuring a safer and more secure travel experience for all.
The EES meets the highest standards of data and privacy protection, ensuring that travellers’ personal data remain protected and secure.
Next steps
The EES will be rolled out progressively over a period of 6 months. As of 10 April 2026, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points.
Over the coming months, the European Commission and eu-LISA (European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems) will continue to support Member States to ensure the smooth deployment of the system.
