The new Entry/Exit System (EES) is a significant step forward in the management of the European Union’s borders. Designed to improve security and efficiency at border checks, the system has direct implications for non-EU travellers wishing to enter the Schengen Area.

Below, we take an in-depth look at what the system involves, how it will work and what data it will collect, as well as its impact on travellers and when it will be implemented.

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a European Union initiative designed to record the entries and exits of non-EU travellers. It will replace the requirement to stamp passports, making it easier to monitor short stays in the Schengen Area.

The EES is expected to increase border security and streamline checks. It will enable authorities to record information such as the date and time of entry and exit, as well as travellers’ fingerprints and photographs.

This digital record of entries to and exits from the Schengen Area is essential for managing stays of up to 90 days, making it more efficient to verify that travellers meet the entry requirements.

How does the European Entry/Exit System work?

The European Entry/Exit System (EES) is based on several key components. When a non-EU traveller arrives in a Schengen Area country, they must present their passport to border authorities, who will collect their biometric data.

This process includes scanning fingerprints and taking photographs, which will be stored in a database. Each entry and exit will then be recorded automatically, eliminating the need for physical passport stamps.

• Entry record: Date, time and place of entry.
• Exit record: Date, time and place of exit.
• Biometric data: Fingerprints and photographs.

The system will also enable authorities to quickly check whether a traveller has overstayed in the Schengen Area. Data will be stored for a maximum of three years, or up to five years if the permitted stay is exceeded.

Who will be affected by the EES in Spain?

The new system for checking entry into Spain will mainly affect non-EU travellers. This includes citizens of countries outside the EU who wish to visit Spain or any other Schengen Area country.

The EES will also affect tour operators and companies that organise trips, as they will need to adapt to the new rules and border control procedures. The EES may also lead to longer queues at airports and entry points, since fingerprints and photographs will need to be taken on arrival.

When will the EES come into operation?

The EES is scheduled to begin operating on 10 November 2024. This date has been postponed several times due to various technical and logistical factors related to implementing the system.

Travellers should be aware of this date and the associated changes, as they will affect how they enter and leave Spain and other EU countries. It is therefore advisable to check the current rules and keep up to date with any changes that may arise before implementation.

What data will be collected by the EES?

The Digital Schengen Entry and Exit Register will collect various types of traveller data. This includes basic information such as:

• Full name.
• Passport number.
• Date of entry and exit.
• Biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs.

This data will be used to improve border security and prevent misuse of permitted stays. The EES is also expected to help identify people who overstay their legal stay in the Schengen Area, helping the authorities maintain order and security.

Is ETIAS still going ahead?

The ETIAS Spain system (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is still going ahead and will complement the implementation of the EES. ETIAS is a travel authorisation system that will apply to citizens of countries whose nationals currently do not need a visa to enter the EU.

ETIAS will allow the authorities to assess travellers’ security risks before they arrive, adding an extra layer of security. Although the two systems are different, they will work together to improve border management in Europe.

ETIAS is scheduled to be implemented in 2024, which means travellers will need to meet both requirements to enter the Schengen Area.

Related questions about the new Entry/Exit System (EES)

What is the EES and how does it work?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital register that will be implemented in the EU to monitor the entry and exit of non-EU travellers. It will work by collecting biometric data and automating border procedures, making checks more efficient.

When arriving in a Schengen country, travellers will need to present their passport, which will be scanned while their fingerprints and photograph are taken to record their entry. The system also aims to prevent people from abusing long stays in the Schengen Area.

What does the Entry/Exit System do?

The EES is primarily intended to record every entry and exit by non-EU travellers. The system aims to streamline border checks and enhance security by using accurate data on the movement of people within the Schengen Area.

The EES will also allow the authorities to quickly identify people who have overstayed, making it easier to take measures such as deportation or a future entry ban, if necessary.

What is the EES in Spain?

The EES in Spain is part of the EU regulatory framework designed to improve border management. It will affect all non-EU travellers wishing to visit Spain, replacing passport stamps with a digital register that includes biometric data and records of entry and exit.

The system is designed to ensure that travellers comply with stay regulations and to make it easier for the country’s immigration authorities to carry out their work.

When does the EES come into force in Spain?

The EES will begin operating in Spain on 10 November 2024. From that date, all non-EU travellers are expected to be subject to this new control system, which includes the recording of biometric data and the automation of entry and exit procedures.

Travellers must be aware of the date and the requirements, as this will change how they interact with borders in the Schengen Area.