- Lead
- What is EES?
- Scope — 29 Countries
- Who is affected / Exceptions
- Entry Procedures (first entry & repeat)
- Collected Data, Retention & Access
- Operational Impact & Early‑stage Issues
- Traveler Checklist
- Airline / Travel Agent / Consulate Guidance
- Privacy & Legal Considerations
- FAQ
- Official Links
- Closing
Lead
On 24 September 2025 the European Commission announced that the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be implemented from 12 October 2025 across 29 European countries. EES replaces passport stamping for short‑stay non‑EU visitors with electronic records that include biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) and entry/exit timestamps and locations. Travelers from South Korea and other non‑EU countries need to review procedures, exceptions, and practical steps to minimize delay and ensure compliance.
What is EES?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border management system designed to modernize and streamline border checks, reduce irregular migration, and strengthen security across the Schengen area and affiliated countries. Instead of stamping passports, border authorities will record travelers' personal and biometric data in electronic form to verify identity and track legal short‑stay movements.
Scope — Countries where EES applies
EES will be active in the following 29 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
Who is affected — Eligibility & exceptions
- Main rule: Non‑EU nationals on short‑term stays — both visa holders and visa‑exempt visitors — are in principle subject to EES registration when entering an EES country.
- Exceptions: Nationals of EES member states, family members of EU nationals holding residence permits, holders of residence permits or long‑stay visas, and other categories designated by each country may be exempt. Each state defines specific exemptions and operational details.
- Important: Exemption and detailed application rules are set by each member country. Confirm with the destination country’s embassy or official website before travel.
Entry procedures — First entry vs repeat entries
First entry (initial EES registration)
At first entry into an EES country, border officers will capture fingerprints and a facial image using dedicated equipment. The system records passport data, entry/exit date and location, biometric data (face image and fingerprints), and any prior entry refusals. Travelers who use a pre‑registration app (if available) or airport self‑service kiosks may reduce processing time, but a border officer’s in‑person check will still occur.
Repeat entries (subsequent crossings)
When re‑entering, the EES‑registered biometrics allow rapid identity verification via fingerprint or facial recognition against the stored record. Holders of biometric passports (e‑passports) and those using self‑service lanes generally experience faster processing.
Collected data, retention and access
- Collected items: Personal data from the passport (name, date of birth), entry/exit date and location, facial image and fingerprints, and entry refusal records.
- Access parties: Border and visa authorities, law enforcement and judicial bodies (including Europol), other states and international organizations, and certain transport operators may have access for defined purposes.
- Retention: Data is retained between 1 and 5 years depending on purpose and category, after which records are automatically deleted in accordance with legal retention schedules.
Operational impact & early‑stage issues
During the initial rollout, major airports such as Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam are likely to see increased processing times and queues. Passengers with tight connection times risk missed connections. Not all airports will support pre‑registration or self‑service kiosks at launch, so travelers should verify services with their airline and airport in advance. Border authorities will adjust staffing and procedures, but expect transitional delays for the first few weeks or months.
Traveler checklist — Before departure / At airport / At border
Before departure
- Confirm whether your destination and any transit countries operate EES and whether pre‑registration or mobile apps are offered (check airline/airport/embassy notices).
- Verify passport validity and whether you hold a biometric (e‑passport).
- Allow additional transfer time—add at least 60 minutes beyond the standard recommended connection time where possible.
At the airport
- Locate self‑service kiosks (if available) and confirm the process. Note that kiosks may not be available at all airports.
- Plan your route through arrival hall → border control → baggage belt → transfer area in advance.
At border control
- Follow the border officer’s instructions for fingerprint scanning and facial image capture.
- If biometric capture is difficult (infants, certain disabilities), present medical documentation and contact consular support if necessary.
Airlines, travel agencies & consulates — practical advice
- Airlines: Notify passengers at booking and via pre‑departure communications (email/SMS) about EES and recommended transfer times. Consider dedicated support for connecting passengers during the initial rollout.
- Travel agencies: Include EES guidance in itinerary documents and advise customers on transfer buffers and pre‑registration where available.
- Consulates / Embassies: Publish clear guidance on EES, maintain Q&A pages, and provide updated contact points for traveler assistance during the early phase.
Privacy & legal considerations
- Biometric and movement data will be processed for border control, migration and public security purposes; understand that some agencies and international partners will have lawful access.
- Retention periods range from 1 to 5 years depending on the data type and purpose; data subjects may have rights (access, rectification, deletion) under applicable laws—procedures are country‑dependent.
- If you have serious privacy concerns, contact the destination country's data protection authority or the embassy; report incidents through the official channels.
FAQ — Traveler & operational questions (8 Qs)
Official links & resources
- EU EES official page: travel‑europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr
- South Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Travel advisories and embassy notices
- Destination country embassy/consulate pages (check for country‑specific guidance)
Closing
EES is a major step in modernizing border control across Europe. While it will improve accuracy and border security in the long run, travelers and industry stakeholders must prepare for transitional delays and operational adjustments. Check official sources, allow extra connection time, and cooperate with border officials to ensure a smooth travel experience.
 Implementation — What Travelers Need to Know (Effective 12 Oct 2025)){kind=link}
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