The European Union has officially launched its new Entry/Exit System (EES) – a major upgrade to how non-EU travelers are checked when entering or leaving the Schengen Area. The traditional passport stamp is being replaced with a fully digital system that records your entry and exit automatically.

Under EES, travelers from non-EU countries will have their passport details, a facial image and fingerprints collected the first time they cross an external EU border. After that, each trip is logged digitally, making border checks faster and more secure.

Why the change?

EES is designed to strengthen security, reduce identity fraud, and provide a more accurate way to track the 90-day stay limit for short-term visitors. It also aims to speed up queues as the system becomes fully operational across all participating EU/Schengen countries.

If you’re planning a trip to Paris soon, be prepared for a brief one-time registration at the border. After that, future crossings should be quicker and far more streamlined.