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Step-by-Step: How to Navigate the EES at the Border


Step-by-Step: How to Navigate the EES at the Border for a Seamless European Journey

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) is designed to make your border crossings into Europe more efficient and secure. While it introduces some new steps, the overall process is straightforward. Here’s a detailed guide on what to expect and how to navigate the EES, ensuring a smooth start and end to your European adventures.

Your First Trip Under EES (Post-12 October 2025): The Initial Registration

Your very first entry into a participating European country after 12 October 2025 will involve a crucial, one-time registration process. This is a mandatory step for all non-EU travelers and is designed to create your digital travel record within the EES. The good news is that this process is entirely free of charge, and there's no need for any pre-application before you arrive at the border. Simply present yourself at the border control, and the process will unfold as follows:

  1. Engage with Self-Service Kiosks: Upon arrival at many border points, you will typically be directed to user-friendly self-service kiosks. These kiosks are your first point of interaction with the EES. Here, you will be prompted to scan your passport. Following this, the system will capture a live facial image of you, and you will be required to provide four fingerprints.[9] These biometric data points are essential for creating your unique digital identity within the EES, enhancing both security and efficiency for your future travels.
  2. Proceed to a Border Guard: After successfully completing the self-service kiosk interaction, you will then proceed to a designated border guard. The border guard's role is to verify the information you've provided at the kiosk, conduct any necessary additional checks, and officially finalise your entry into the European country.[11] This human interaction ensures that all aspects of your entry are properly managed and any questions you might have can be addressed.
  3. Secure Digital Record Creation: Once your entry is finalised, your comprehensive digital record, including all your biometric data, is securely stored within the EES. This record is designed to be valid for a period of three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.[2] This means you won't need to repeat the full biometric registration process on subsequent visits within this timeframe. For a deeper understanding of how your personal data is handled and protected within the EES, we encourage you to consult our dedicated page on EES and Your Personal Data.

Subsequent Trips (Within 3 Years): Enjoying Faster Border Crossings

One of the most significant benefits of the EES for frequent travelers is the promise of faster and more streamlined border crossings on subsequent trips. Once your initial registration is complete and your digital record is established, you will no longer need to undergo the full re-registration process. Instead, the focus shifts to quick and efficient identity verification. This means less time spent at border control and more time enjoying your destination. Here's what you can expect:

Leveraging Technology: Self-Service Kiosks and Optional Mobile Apps

The EES leverages modern technology to make your border crossing as efficient as possible. As mentioned, self-service kiosks will be a common sight at many border points. These intuitive kiosks are designed to guide you step-by-step through the data capture process, allowing you to complete much of the necessary information gathering before you even interact with a border officer. This pre-processing helps to reduce the workload on border staff and speeds up the overall flow of travelers. Additionally, some countries may offer an optional mobile application. While these apps could allow you to pre-register some of your passport data from the convenience of your own device, it's crucial to remember that your biometrics (facial image and fingerprints) must still be captured in person at the border.[9] This ensures the highest level of security and accuracy for your EES record. Utilizing these technological tools can significantly enhance your border crossing experience, making it quicker and more convenient.

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