Summary
Non-European Union (EU) citizens will soon use a new automated system for entering and exiting the Schengen area in Europe. The system, called the Entry/Exit System (EES), will start on October 12 and will record traveller information such as biometric data.
Key Facts
- The EES is a digital system that tracks non-EU citizens entering and leaving the Schengen area.
- It begins on October 12 and should be fully functional by April 10 next year.
- The Schengen area includes 25 EU members and four non-EU countries with no internal border checks.
- Short-stay visas allow up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen zone.
- EES applies to citizens from countries like the U.S., Canada, and Australia, even if they don't need a visa.
- Certain travellers, like those with residence permits or valid local border traffic permits, are not subject to EES.
- The EES will collect passport data, biometric data like fingerprints (not required for children under 12), and other personal information.
- The system keeps data for three years unless there's a visa overstay, then it's kept for five years.
