The Entry-Exit System: the Schengen area strengthens its controls

4 November 2024 | Immigration in France

The revision of the Schengen Borders Code on 13 May introduced major changes to strengthen security at the Schengen area’s external borders.
The most expected measure is the introduction of the Entry-Exit System (EES).

What is this new system and who is affected by it? ITAMA explains everything in detail in this article!

 

What is the Entry-Exit System (EES)?

The EES registers the entry and exit of third-country nationals visiting the Schengen area for short stays (maximum 90 days over a period of 180 days), by automatically digitising travellers’ personal data. It replaces the manual stamp affixed to passports.

 

The objectives of this system are to :

    • Improve the management of passenger flows by making the process more efficient and secure,
    • Speed up border controls by automating procedures,
    • Tackle illegal immigration by identifying overstayers,
    • Prevent identity fraud by checking travellers’ biometric data.

 

How does the EES work?

When crossing a border outside the Schengen area for the first time, passport control officers scan fingerprints and take a photo of the traveller. This data, recorded in the EES, is then simply checked when crossing in the future.

At each crossing, the system collects the following information:

    • The date, time and place of entry into and exit from the Schengen area,
    • The surname(s) and first name(s) of the traveller,
    • The potential decision to refuse residence or document authorizing it.

Holders of biometric passports will be able to pass through self-service gates. A mobile application can also be used, provided it is available in the country of departure and arrival.

 

Who is affected by the EES?

The EES will be deployed in all the countries in the Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, 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.

Cyprus and Ireland will continue to use the traditional system of manual stamps.

 

This applies to nationals of countries outside the European Union and the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), whether or not they hold a Schengen visa.

However, there are exceptions for :

    • People travelling as part of a temporary intra-group transfer, or for the purposes of research, study, training, voluntary work, school exchanges, educational projects or au pair work,
    • Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, Saint-Martin and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See,
    • People with special privileges at borders, such as heads of state or border workers,
    • Holders of valid local border crossing permits,
    • Crew members on passenger and freight trains making international connections,
    • Holders of a valid Facilitated Rail Transit Document or a valid Facilitated Transit Document (provided they are travelling by train and are not disembarking on the territory of an EU Member State).

Conclusion

The Entry-Exit System marks a major step forward in securing the Schengen area’s borders. It improves the management of traveller flows while strengthening the fight against illegal immigration and identity fraud.

This scheme is part of a wider strategy that includes ETIAS, a pre-travel authorisation system due to be launched in April 2025.

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