Days Allowed

Border changes

The EES Entry/Exit System

The EES records each entry and exit of non-EU travellers electronically, with a face photo and fingerprints, instead of a passport stamp. It has been fully running at external borders since 10 April 2026.

Last checked 3 Nov 2026 against the official sources below.

What it records

  • Your entries, exits and any refusals of entry, at the external borders of the 29 countries using it.
  • Your travel document details, a photo of your face and, for visa-free travellers, 4 fingerprints. Children under 12 don’t have their fingerprints scanned.
  • Passports are no longer stamped.

Timeline

12 Oct 2025EES starts, rolled out gradually over 6 months.
9 Apr 2026End of the gradual rollout.
10 Apr 2026Fully running at all external border crossings. Manual stamping ends.

What it means for your 90 days

The rule is the same: up to 90 days in any 180-day period, counted as one period for all countries using the EES. What changes is the record. If you overstay, the EU says the system will identify you and record it. See what happens if you overstay.

The EU has an online check of your remaining days, based on your EES record. It does not include stays that began before 10 April 2026. How it compares with counting your own trips.

Who doesn’t go through the EES

  • Nationals of the countries using the EES, and of Cyprus and Ireland.
  • Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas.
  • Nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino, and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See.
  • Some family members of EU citizens. The full list is on the EU’s EES site.

Questions

When did the EES start?

The EES started on 12 October 2025 and was rolled out over 6 months, until 9 April 2026. Since 10 April 2026 it has been fully running at all external border crossings of the countries using it.

Does the EES change the 90/180 rule?

No. A short stay is still up to 90 days in any 180-day period, counted as one period for all countries using the EES. The EES records your entries and exits, so overstays are easier to spot.

Will my passport still be stamped?

No. With the EES, passports are no longer stamped. Your entry and exit are recorded electronically.

Who does not go through the EES?

Among others: nationals of the countries using the EES, Cyprus and Ireland; holders of residence permits and long-stay visas; nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino; and some family members of EU citizens.

Can I check my remaining days in the EES?

Yes, with the EU’s online check. It does not include time in the Schengen area that began before 10 April 2026.

Sources

Last checked 3 Nov 2026.

A planning tool. Border officials decide.