The Entry Exit System is fully operational since 10 April 2026. Who is exempt

The Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational at all external Schengen border crossing points since 10 April 2026. Designed to modernise border management and enhance EU's security, since its launch the system has registered over 145 million entries and exits.

The EES applies to non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay to the Schengen area and records travel document data, biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) and data on their entry and exit. Nationals of EU countries and of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland are not registered in the EES.

While the EES will record millions of non-EU travellers, certain categories are not recorded in the system. Border checks for travellers from these categories remain as usual - they need to show the ID or passport together with their long stay visa or residence permit. No fingerprints or facial scans are required. Here's who is exempt:

1. Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See

2. Non-EU nationals who hold a long-stay visa and residence permit

   Non-EU nationals who hold a long-stay visa or a residence permit (other than those mentioned in point 1 for family members), issued by a country operating the EES, are not registered in the EES.

   Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas issued by Cyprus or Ireland are registered in the EES.

3. Non-EU nationals who are family members of an EU citizen or of a citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland (e.g., spouse, child, dependent parent) and hold a residence card or residence permit, are exempt from EES registration, regardless of whether they are travelling with or without the family member.

   Example: A Moroccan spouse married to a French citizen and holding a residence card from France will not be registered in the EES.

   If a non-EU family member does not hold a residence card or residence permit, they will be registered in the EES.

   Example: A Canadian married to a Lithuanian citizen and does not hold a residence card from Lithuania, will be registered in the EES.

For a full list of exemptions, check the EES official website: To whom does the EES not apply? - EES