If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you can travel to the Schengen Area for short stays without a visa. However, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will change the way you cross the border into Europe. This guide explains what the EES means for short-stay travelers.
Citizens of visa-exempt countries can enter the Schengen/EU area with a valid passport for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. With the introduction of the EES, a new digital registration process at the border will be added:
The first time you cross an EES border, your facial image and four fingerprints will be captured. This data will be stored for faster identification on subsequent trips.
From April 2026, passports will no longer be stamped. Instead, your entry and exit data will be stored digitally. This allows for precise tracking of your remaining allowed stay.
The EES will automatically track your compliance with the 90/180-day rule. The system immediately detects any overstays, making it especially important not to miss deadlines.
| Is a visa required? | No, if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country. A valid passport is required. |
| EES registration fee | Free. There is no charge for border registration. |
| Pre-application needed? | No, there is no need to apply in advance for EES. The process takes place entirely at the border. |
| Permitted duration of stay | Up to 90 days within a 180-day period (unchanged). |
| Will ETIAS also be needed? | Starting from late 2026, visa-exempt travelers will also need to obtain an ETIAS authorization (in addition to EES). |
If you hold a residence permit or a long-stay visa issued by an EU country, the EES does not apply to you. Holders of residence permits or long-stay visas are exempt from the EES registration requirement. However, be prepared to show documents confirming your status at the border.
