Questions & Answers about the new Entry/Exit System (EES)

What is the EES?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new EU information system that records entries and exits for short stays (90 days within a 180-day period) of persons from non-EU and non-EEA countries. For individuals whose data must be stored in the EES, travel data as well as biometric data (fingerprints, facial image) are registered in the EES.

Recording in the EES is mandatory. Refusal to provide the required data when crossing the border will result in denial of entry.

When will the EES start in Austria?

On 12^th October 2025 – at international airports and aerodromes.

A six-month gradual implementation will run until 10^th April 2026 – from then on, full operation of the EES will begin.

Why is there an EES introduction phase?

During the introduction phase, the number of travelers recorded in the EES will be gradually increased. This is intended to prevent congestion.

Passport stamping for persons subject to EES will only be discontinued once the system is fully operational in April 2026. From that point, electronic entry and exit records will replace passport stamps.

In which countries will the EES apply?

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Who must be registered in the EES?

Nationals of non-EU/non-EEA countries without a residence permit or visa for long-term stay in the Schengen Area:

who enter or leave one or more of the above-mentioned 29 countries for a short stay (up to a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period)
and who either have a short-stay visa or are exempt from the visa requirement.

Who does not need to be registered in the EES?

Holders of a passport issued by an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican City, or the Holy See
Persons holding a residence permit or a visa for long-term stay in an EU Member State (Visa D)

What changes at the border?

Collecting of fingerprints and facial image
No stamping of travel documents for persons subject to the EES after the gradual implementation period (12^th of October 2025 – 10^th of April 2026).

How can pre-registration using self-service systems be carried out?

The introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) brings self-service systems for pre-registration of travel data
Goal: Making border control process easier
Passengers can use self-service systems to:
- Scan their passport themselves
- Record biometric data
- Answer legally required questions about their planned stay, available in many languages Use possible from the age of 12 (with a biometric passport)

What are the benefits of the EES?

More modern, secure and accurate border controls
Simple calculation of remaining stay duration via a new online tool
Better protection against document misuse and overstay

What should travellers pay attention to?

Plan for more time at the border
Have passport, residence permit or visa ready
Dual nationals should, if applicable, use their EU or Schengen passport

How are British nationals affected?

British nationals are generally subject to EES.
Exceptions apply, e.g., for holders of residence permits or visas for long-term stay (such as the “Article 50 TEU” residence permit, or temporary documents issued by certain states confirming an application)

Are border crossings within the EU recorded in the EES?

No, only to entries and exits at the external borders of the Schengen area.

Does the EES affect me if I travel to the EU as a tourist from a non-EU/non-EEA country?

Yes. From 12^th of October 2025, you will be registered in the EES and subject to the new border control process described above when entering and exiting Schengen Area.

What should be considered between October 2025 and April 2026?

During the six-month introduction phase (Oct 12, 2025 – Apr 10, 2026), you may not be (fully) recorded in the EES immediately (e.g., not all biometric data captured).

Conditions for EES operations will be more flexible during this period and may vary at different border crossing points.

Does this affect me if I live in an EU Member State?

If you are legally residing in an EU Member State long-term (e.g., with a residence permit or long-term visa), the border control process remains unchanged.

However, you must present the relevant documentation at the border.

Do I have to be registered in the EES every time I enter and leave Schengen Area?

Yes. Unless you are exempt from registration in the EES (see above), you will be verified against the EES at every entry and exit and your border crossing will be recorded electronically – similar to previous passport stamping.

I hold an Austrian residence permit or a visa D – does anything change for me?

As described above, as the holder of such a document, you are not registered in the EES. However, you must ensure that you have these documents with you when crossing the border and provide them to the border control authority. Your travel document will, however, continue to be stamped in accordance with the Austrian Border Control Act.

Do other rules apply to business travelers?

No.

Are there any special rules for group or family travel?

Each person is checked individually to determine whether registration in the EES is required. Depending on nationality, some family members may be registered in the EES while others are exempt.

Since children under 12 are also registered in the EES with their facial image (but not their fingerprints), parental assistance is often needed when capturing the facial image.

What happens if I, as a third-country national subject to the EES, do not provide my personal or biometric data for border control?

In that case, entry must be refused.

What should I keep in mind during biometric data capture?

Make sure you position yourself correctly in front of the camera device and avoid, as far as possible, wearing objects that obstruct facial capture (e.g. glasses, caps, etc.).

Also follow the instructions given by border control officers and the guidance displayed on the device screens – this will help you complete the process more quickly.