New Entry/Exit System (EES) fully implemented

15.8.2026

Full operation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) began at the external borders on 10 April. The EES is an automated information system that records data on non-EU nationals each time they cross the external borders of an EU Member State (excluding Ireland and Cyprus) or certain other countries (Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) for a short stay.

According to the relevant Regulation (EU) 2017/2226, the aim of the EES is to improve external border management, prevent irregular migration, and assist in identifying individuals who do not—or no longer—meet the conditions regarding the authorized duration of stay within the EU. In practice, the system will primarily manifest as the replacement of manual stamping of travel documents for third-country nationals arriving in the EU for short stays. Consequently, Czech citizens will not be directly affected by the EES.

Data to be registered by the system

The essence of the EES is that, upon every crossing of the external borders, the system will register the following information regarding short-stay foreign nationals:

  • personal data from the passport’s data page,
  • biometric data (fingerprints and facial image),
  • date and place of entry and exit,
  • any refusal of entry.

The EES will apply to both visa-required and visa-exempt foreign nationals and involves the use of self-service kiosks installed at international airports or external border crossing points.

The EES does not alter the fundamental rule regarding movement within the Schengen Area (the duration of a short stay must not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period). This duration is calculated as a single period for all European countries using the EES.

EES and holders of residence permits

The EES does not apply to holders of long-stay visas or residence permits, to non-EU nationals holding a residence card who are close family members of an EU citizen, or to other foreign nationals specified in Article 2(3) of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226.


Consequently, the EES does not apply to Ukrainian citizens granted temporary protection; conversely, it does apply to Ukrainians who do not hold a long-stay visa or residence permit and are crossing the external borders.

ETIAS to Follow EES

In the final quarter of 2026, the launch of the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will follow the implementation of the EES. Under this system, visa-exempt foreign nationals from non-EU countries will be required to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization—similar to the US ESTA system—before entering any of the 30 European countries, including the Czech Republic, for a short-term stay.