Schengen Area Introduces EES for Boosted Border Protection

The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be gradually implemented at all external border crossing points across 29 European nations, including Czechia. This phased rollout of the EES is set to take six months. During this transitional period, it’s important to note that travelers’ data may not be collected at every border crossing point immediately. Starting from 10 April 2026, the EES is expected to be fully operational in all participating countries.

All non-EU nationals traveling to these nations for a short stay—defined as a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe—will be required to register in the system, regardless of whether they are traveling with a visa or are visa-exempt.
Upon each entry and exit, the system will digitally capture data from travelers’ travel documents, along with the specific date and location of the border crossing, as well as biometric data. This advanced tracking system will enable precise monitoring of authorized stay durations and help prevent overstays. The collection and storage of travelers’ data will be conducted in full accordance with EU data protection regulations and rights.

The EES aims to streamline border crossings by enhancing the utilization of self-service kiosks and automated checks, thereby bolstering security at external borders and improving safeguards against illegal migration and fraudulent activities.

Countries Implementing the EES:

Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Croatia, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Austria, Romania, Greece, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.