This article explains what the European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) means for travelers arriving at or departing from the Schengen area, why it may increase processing time, and simple steps you can take to make border control faster and smoother.
For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official website for the European Union: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr
What is the EES and why it matters
- The EES records passport data, a facial photo, and fingerprints from travelers when they enter or leave the Schengen area.
- Because these checks require extra data collection, border control can take longer and may cause longer queues if many passengers are processed at the same time.
How travelers can speed up the process
- Many airports use Self‑Service Systems (SSS) where travelers can register passport data, a facial photo, and fingerprints before reaching the border control counters.
- Travelers who pre‑register at an SSS often use dedicated “fast lanes” and reserved border control counters, reducing individual waiting time and helping overall queue flow.
What you can do:
- To save time at the border, register at the Self‑Service Systems (SSS) at the airport before going to passport control.
- After completing the SSS steps (scan passport, facial photo, fingerprints), follow airport staff directions to the fast lanes for pre‑registered travelers.
What happens at the Self‑Service Systems (SSS) Registration is usually quick and done in three steps:
- Scan the passport.
- Take a facial image.
- Take fingerprints.
Countries and airports where EES self‑service systems or similar pre‑registration processes may be available
- Austria: Vienna (VIE)
- Belgium: Brussels (BRU)
- Croatia: Zagreb (ZAG), Split (SPU), Dubrovnik (DBV)
- Czechia: Prague (PRG)
- Denmark: Copenhagen (CPH)
- Finland: Helsinki (HEL)
- France: Paris (CDG)
- Germany: Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Berlin (BER)
- Greece: Athens (ATH)
- Hungary: Budapest (BUD)
- Iceland: Reykjavík Keflavík (KEF)
- Italy: Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan (MXP), Venice (VCE)
- Malta: Malta (MLA)
- Netherlands: Amsterdam (AMS)
- Norway: Oslo Gardermoen (OSL), Bergen (BGO)
- Poland: Warsaw Chopin (WAW), Kraków (KRK)
- Portugal: Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO)
- Romania: Bucharest (OTP)
- Slovenia: Ljubljana (LJU)
- Spain: Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN)
- Sweden: Stockholm (ARN)
- Switzerland: Zurich (ZRH)