Do I need EES?
The EU Entry/Exit System applies to all non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area for short stays — including visa-exempt travellers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and beyond. Pick your situation to check.
EES applies US / UK / Canada / Australia / other non-EU citizen, short trip
Yes — EES applies to you.
On your first entry you'll register biometrics (four fingerprints + a facial image) at a kiosk. The 90-days-in-180 limit is now enforced automatically — count your days. A separate ETIAS authorisation is expected from late 2026. See what happens at the border.
Exempt EU, EEA (Norway / Iceland / Liechtenstein) or Swiss citizen
No — you're exempt.
Citizens exercising free movement are outside EES. Use the EU / EEA / Swiss passport lane as normal.
Exempt Non-EU with an EU residence permit or UK Withdrawal Agreement card
No — you're exempt.
Valid EU residence-permit holders (including UK nationals with a WA residence card) are exempt. Present your passport and the residence card, and use the EU/EEA/Swiss lane.
Exempt Holder of a long-stay (type-D) national visa
No — exempt while that visa is valid.
A type-D national visa issued by a Schengen state for stays over 90 days takes you out of EES for its duration.
Exempt Dual national (EU + non-EU passport)
No — just use your EU passport.
Always enter on the EU/EEA/Swiss passport. Entering on the non-EU one triggers EES unnecessarily and can create an inconsistent exit record.
Exempt Diplomat or service-passport holder on official travel
No — you're exempt.
Diplomatic and service passport holders on official business are outside EES; normal diplomatic protocol applies.
Applies (limited) Travelling with children under 12
Yes — but no fingerprints for under-12s.
Children under 12 give a facial image only (no fingerprints), though their passport and entry are still recorded. Use family lanes where available.