The Schengen area, without internal borders, has now been in existence for 30 years. It comprises 29 countries: the 25 EU member states (except Cyprus and Ireland) and 4 non-EU countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein).
Persons concerned by the EES
From October 12, 2025 onwards, a new IT system (“Entry/Exit system” or “EES”) will gradually apply to short stays (up to 90 days in periods of 180 days) in the Schengen area for all third-country nationals: their biometric data and travel details will be recorded on entering and leaving the Schengen area. This digital record will replace the entry/exit stamp in passports (see FAQ on the European Union website).
In particular, the EES will make it possible to prevent overstays in the Schengen area.
Persons not concerned by the EES
Persons holding residence permits issued by Schengen states (including legitimation cards issued by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and special residence permits issued by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs) are not affected by the entry into force of the EES (see https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/to-whom-does-ees-not-apply##).
Deployment
In Switzerland, the EES system will be applied at Geneva, Zurich and Basel airports from 12 October 2025. In France, it will be gradually rolled out to all the external borders of the Schengen area. It is planned that from 10 April 2026, the EES system will be fully operational at all the external border crossing points of the European countries that use it (see https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees/faq#what-does-progressive-start-of-the-ees-mean).
The EES system is to be distinguished from the ETIAS travel authorisations required for third-country nationals who are exempted from visa, which are not scheduled to come into operation before the end of 2026.
Host State relations service
Tel. : 75152