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Europe's Entry Exit System (EES) will apply to U.S. and other non-EU travelers entering Schengen countries starting October 12 at some checkpoints, with the the system expected to be fully functional by April 10, 2026. It's a precursor to the anticipated Q4 2026 ETIAS Approval roll-out.
The new automated biometric system, which will record their passport data as well as a facial image and fingerprints, replaces current in-person interaction with passport control officers. Children below the age of twelve will not have to provide fingerprints. Non-EU travelers will only need to provide this data at their first EU port of entry; it will not be used for internal border controls, although it will record their exit from the Schengen zone. Biometric data will be kept on file for three years following any Schengen entry, as long as the traveler complies with short-stay visa rules. Overstayers will have their data retained for five years.
Who EES Applies To
The new European EES is applicable to all short-stay travelers (those staying up to 90 days out of a 180 day period) who are not citizens of the EU and not citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. EES will not apply to non-EU citizens who hold a residence permit for an EU country, or who are entering to conduct research, study, voluntary service or for au pair employment. Similarly, those who hold a valid local border traffic permit, crew members of passenger and goods trains on international connecting journeys, and those who have been granted certain privileges which exempt them from border checks aren't subject to the EES.
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Why EES is Being Implemented
The stated purpose of the EES border management system is to “improve the effectiveness and efficiency of controls at the EU’s external borders.” Specifically, the EU wants to strengthen enforcement of its external borders against illegal migration by those who enter legally, but overstay and attempt to live and work in the EU illegally.
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Will EES Implementation Cause Travel Delays?
It may, especially for your first EES crossing, when you have to have your face and fingerprints scanned. Allow plenty of time, especially if you have a connecting flight to get to after first arriving in the EU.
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