Starting today, all European airports will gradually implement the Entry/Exit System (EES), with full functionality expected by April 2026.
This system introduces a biometric identification method that replaces manual passport stamps with electronic registration. It is dedicated to citizens of 29 non-EU countries who do not require a visa to enter the European Union.
The EES system will register all non-EU travelers entering the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Key features of EES:
- Fully digital processing, reducing queues at border control points.
- Collection of biometric data: fingerprints, facial recognition, along with personal details and entry/exit information.
- Automatic calculation of days spent in the Schengen zone and remaining quota from the 90-day limit.
- Data retention for 3 years, extended to 5 years if overstays occur, after which data is automatically deleted.
- Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint registration.
The system is part of the EU’s broader strategy to improve the management of migratory flows and strengthen external border security, a top priority for Brussels in recent years.
Investment and Implementation:
The EU invested heavily in this technology, allocating €142 million for the design phase alone. The project contract was awarded to a consortium of IBM (USA), Leonardo (Italy), and Atos (France).
