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| Image courtesy of crankyboss.org |
The EES replaces the manual passport stamp with a digital record where it automatically calculates travellers' stay to ensure they do not exceed their limits. This is because exceeding the limitation may result in enforceable consequences (e.g., fines, deportation or a future entry ban). The current rule where travellers can stay in Schengen countries (more information on https://www.gov.uk/travel-to-eu-schengen-area) must not exceed 90 days (cumulative total stays) within any rolling 180-day period (not a fixed calendar year). If you would like to verify how many days you have remaining, click on https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/border-crossing/short-stay-calculator_en.
The EES is expected to become fully operational on 10th April 2026.
EES FULL REGISTRATION PROCESS
The EES full registration process is free. However, the first (trip) biometric registration involves taking initial high-quality biometrics, as follows:
- taking all four fingerprints and a photo at the dedicated booth upon arrival; and
- provide either a fingerprint or a photo upon exit at an e-gate or desk, if you are travelling to the Schengen countries. However, this is verification of who you are where you do not require full registration again.
The records of your full first biometric registration process are valid for 3 years and linked to your travel document. Thus, if your passport expires before the 3rd year, then you will require full registration again with your new passport.
3 -YEAR VALIDITY PERIOD
The 3-year period resets each time you have a travel activity, but is subject to the following provisos, as follows:
- you travel to a participating country at least once every 3 years;
- compliant with 90/180-day limitation; and
- holds a valid passport as mentioned above.
This means that every time you leave a Schengen country or a participating country, the “clock” on your full biometric remains valid and resets to a new 3-year period -- i.e., starts fresh the moment you exit Schengen countries.
EES VERIFICATION PROCESS
If you are a frequent traveller who has already applied the full registration process with a valid passport, your subsequent travels will only require “quick verification” each time you cross (enter and exit) the borders of Schengen countries.
The verification still requires one form of biometric data:
- facial scan; or
- a fingerprint.
The required biometric is to verify your identity against the existing record, whilst the system calculates your travel record.
EES ENRTY AND EXIT
When you enter any Schengen country, the system acts as a calculator for the 90/180-day limitation. On the other hand, when you exit any Schengen country, the system acts as a reset button where it updates travellers' biometric expiry date to 3 years and 1 day from the last exit (subject to the passport's validity).
EES EXEMPTIONS
Some UK nationals are exempt from EES where registration is not required. However, upon arrival at the border, they should present their exempting documentation to a border guard rather than use the EES kiosk.
The full list of exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website on
Furthermore, children under the age of 12 are exempt from providing fingerprints for the initial full registration and for any subsequent verification checks. More information on https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/the-eu-entry-exit-system-and-eu-travel-authorisation-system/
ETIAS
This is a new visa waiver (not a visa) and is similar to the US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). It is where British citizens (and non-EU nationals) are visa-exempt for short stays of up to 90 days when entering 30 EU countries. However, there is still a requirement to apply online for a digital authorisation before boarding flights, trains or ferries to EU countries.
ETIAS will start operations in late 2026 (October - December), where its system will exist and applications will begin. However, it is expected to become fully mandatory for British passport holders or all visa-exempt travellers in early 2027 (April), with important details as follows:
- it will cost adults aged 18 to 70;
- free for under 18 or over 70 years old, but an application is still required;
- a 3-year validity is fixed. It will either expire when your passport expires, even if ETIAS is not, or when it hits the 3-year mark.
RELEVANT LINKS
For more relevant information, click on the following:
- https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/the-eu-entry-exit-system-and-eu-travel-authorisation-system/ (House of Commons Library: EU Entry/Exit system and EU travel authorisation system)
- https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/faq#what-progressive-start-EES-mean (FAQs about EES - EES)
- https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/data-held-by-ees (Data held by the EES - EES)
- https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias (Official ETIAS Website)
- https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias/about-etias/who-should-apply (Who should apply - ETIAS)
In the event that you will first travel in 2027 where both systems are fully operational, you must apply for the ETIAS first. This is because it is a pre-travel requirement where travellers must complete before leaving airports, stations or ports. On the other hand, EES is registered at the border desk or kiosk when entering participating Schengen countries.
The above information reflects my understanding of the systems. It is provided for general information only and should not be taken as legal advice. If you believe that any part requires clarification or correction, please feel free to contact me. Hence, it should not be taken as legal advice.
