EES (Entry/Exit System)

The EU's biometric border-management system that records every entry to and exit from the Schengen Area by non-EU short-stay travellers, replacing the manual passport stamp. Launched on a phased basis from October 2025, the EES captures fingerprints and a facial image at first entry and electronically tracks the 90-day allowance under the Schengen 90/180 rule. EES applies to all third-country nationals admitted for short stays — including visa-exempt travellers — and is the technical backbone enabling automated overstay detection.