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 the European Schengen zone.
- EES registration is needed upon your initial entry and final exit from European Schengen zone.
- You will need to complete the EES both when you enter and leave Europe. Your initial entry creates a digital file with your biometric data (photo and fingerprints) and passport details. When you exit, the system logs your departure date to automatically close your trip and calculate your allowed stay. US and Canadian travelers can stay in Europe a maximum of 90 days total per 180 days.
When you land in the European Schengen zone
- 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.
- If you are flying from the US/Canada (or another non-European country) and have a layover in a European country, head straight to the passport control area rather than lingering in the terminal. You will need to clear passport control and register for the EES before heading to your next flight.
- To save time at the border, many airports use Self‑Service Systems (SSS) where travelers can register passport data, a facial photo, and fingerprints before reaching the border control passport counters.
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)