The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System has become fully operational, bringing major changes to border checks for non-EU travellers entering the Schengen area for short stays.
The system, known as EES, replaces manual passport stamps with digital records of entries, exits and refusals of entry. It applies at external border crossings in 29 European countries, including airports, ports and land border points.
Under the system, travellers must register details from their travel document, along with biometric data such as a facial image and fingerprints. These checks are carried out when entering or leaving countries using the EES.
The system is designed to monitor the movement of non-EU nationals more accurately, identify overstays and help prevent document and identity fraud.
Passport stamps phased out
Passport stamping has now been replaced by electronic records in the countries using the system. The EES began operating on 12 October 2025, with a gradual rollout, and became fully operational on 10 April 2026.
On later trips, travellers already registered in the system will usually have their biometric details verified rather than entered again from scratch.
The system applies to short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Cyprus and Ireland are not part of the EES, meaning passports will continue to be stamped manually there.
Source: cnn.gr