The long anticipated Entry/Exit control system (EES) involving 29 European Union Countries (called the Schengen Area) has begun to implement October 12, 2025. It will be gradually implemented and expected to cover all member countries by April 2026.
Non-European Union (EU) nationals travelling for a short stay will have personal data collected at each border crossing of 29 countries to improve monitoring of their stays in these countries and to better control borders.
The 29 Schengen Area countries include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Personal information collected will include:
- Personal data from the travel document, such as full name, date of birth, nationality;
- Date and place of each entry to and exit from the 29 European countries using the EES;
- Biometric data such as facial image and/or fingerprints;
- Information on refused entry, if applicable.
For detailed and most accurate information refer to the EU official website at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr