EES fully live: biometrics at all Schengen external borders since 10 April 2026
· · Visa & Relocation Agentur
The Entry/Exit System replaces the passport stamp. Fingerprints and a facial image are stored; the 90/180-day rule is counted automatically.
Key facts
Phased roll-out from 12 October 2025, full operation at all external borders since 10 April 2026.
Applies to all non-EU citizens on short stays – with or without a visa.
Recorded: 4 fingerprints, facial image, passport data, place and date of entry and exit; stored for 3 years.
No more passport stamps; overstays of the 90 days are visible system-wide.
Residence-permit holders and EU citizens are not registered.
What changes at the border
The first entry after launch takes longer: fingerprints and a photo are captured; on later trips a quick match is enough. Large airports have self-service kiosks; at land borders (e.g. Poland–Ukraine, Poland–Belarus) expect queues.
Why the 90/180 rule now bites
Days used to be checked by hand from stamps. Now the system counts every border crossing. Exceeding 90 days in 180 risks entry bans and future visa refusals. Visitors and business travellers should keep their own log of travel days.
Our advice
Check your remaining days with the official Schengen calculator before each trip. If you regularly need more than 90 days in the EU, you need a national visa or residence permit – we assess which route fits.
FAQ
Do I give fingerprints on every trip?
No. Full enrolment happens at the first entry after launch; after that only a match is done for three years.
Does EES apply with a Schengen visa?
Yes. EES registers visa holders and visa-exempt travellers alike.