The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System, which applies to all visitors from outside the Schengen Area (a bloc of countries that permits passport-free travel within its borders), began a phased rollout on 12 October 2025 and became fully operational across participating countries on 10 April 2026.
The system is intended to replace the traditional practice of stamping passports, according to EU officials.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is designed to strengthen border security across the Schengen Area by digitally tracking entries and exits, intended to reduce overstays beyond the permitted 90 days within a 180-day period.
Click through to learn more about how the EES and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will work together to shape the future of travel to Europe.