Stamps at Schengen borders will be abolished: how will the EES system work and when will it be introduced?

The EU is launching a new entry control system, EES, which will replace stamps in passports. Find out how the new system will work, whether queues at the border will increase, and how to prepare for travel under the new rules

Get insurance Green Card for traveling abroad by car online in 5 minutes!

BUY

The Council of the EU and the European Parliament have reached a preliminary agreement on the phased introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will eventually replace paper stamps in foreign passports when crossing the border with Schengen countries. Digital border registration is another step towards full digitalization and security at the EU's external borders.

What is the EES and why is it being introduced?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated digital system that will record data on the crossing of the external borders of the Schengen area by third-country nationals, including Ukraine. The key functions of the system are:

● automatic recording of the date and place of entry/exit,

● collection of biometric data: fingerprints and facial photos,

● storage of travel history information,

● monitoring of compliance with the permitted length of stay (90 days within 180 days).

The main purpose of the EES is to combat document fraud, identity fraud, and migration violations.

When will the new EU entry system EES come into force: new launch regulations

The European Commission is now proposing new regulations that provide for the phased introduction of the system over a period of six months. This means that EU member states will continue to stamp passports manually for some time until the transition period ends.

Important: the preliminary agreement still has to be finally approved by the EU Council and the European Parliament. The actual launch date will be announced later by the European Commission.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

How will Ukrainians travel to the EU under the EES system: what will change?

For Ukrainian citizens traveling to the EU without visas or with visas, the introduction of the EES does not change the rules of entry, but it does change the format of control. Biometric data will be collected automatically when you first cross the border after the system is launched and will be stored in a shared EU database.

This also means that exceeding the permitted period of stay in the EU will be immediately recorded, and it will no longer be possible to avoid responsibility by using missing stamps.

If you are planning a long-term stay in Europe — for example, for study, work, or family reunification — you need to have your documents in order. Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers can always help you prepare your documents, provide advice, and assist you in the process of legalizing your stay abroad! Contact us for help to get answers to all your questions and avoid unforeseen problems with visas, permits, certificates, and other migration documents.

Will the EES lead to longer queues at the border?

Despite claims of digital convenience, a number of experts and government officials in EU countries, including the UK, have expressed concerns that the introduction of the EES could lead to longer waiting times at borders, especially during peak periods.

The new regulation provides for the possibility of temporarily disabling the system in the event of large crowds, when waiting times for checks become critical.

However, in the long term, the EES should, on the contrary, streamline checks, improve security, and reduce abuse related to illegal stays in the Schengen area.

What else should you prepare before traveling to the EU?

Due to the digitization of border checks, travelers should check the following in advance:

● the validity of their foreign passport;

● the dates of previous trips to the Schengen area;

● the validity of your travel insurance (this may be checked even if you are entering without a visa);

● your Green Card car insurance if you are traveling with your own vehicle.

You can quickly and conveniently purchase insurance and a Green Card on the Visit Ukraine portal — no queues, delivery by email, and 24/7 support.

We remind you! Cyprus plans to join the Schengen area next year. Read more about what this means for Ukrainian travelers, what advantages the island's new status will bring, and what challenges Cyprus faces on its way to Schengen in our previous article.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.