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The European Union is preparing for the gradual roll-out of the Entry/Exit System (EES), a key initiative that will modernise border management and the way third-country nationals are registered when crossing the external borders of the Schengen area. Established under Regulation (EU) 2017/2226, the system will replace passport stamping with electronic records, using biometric data to enhance the accuracy and security of border checks.
To support a smooth and coordinated introduction, the European Commission proposed in November 2024 a progressive start of operations over a period of 180 days. This approach allows Member States to implement the EES provisions in phases while maintaining high operational standards.
Regulatory Framework in Progress
A Regulation addressing the progressive start of EES is currently under discussion by EU co-legislators. The legislation outlines the terms of the phased implementation, including procedural flexibility, transitional measures, and temporary exemptions from certain provisions of the original EES Regulation and the Schengen Borders Code.
Following its adoption, and once the remaining Member State declarations of readiness have been received, the European Commission will determine the official date for the start of EES operations. The system will become operational from that date, while a roll-out plan will detail how national authorities will utilise the central system.
Upcoming Tasks for eu-LISA
The European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems (eu-LISA) will oversee the technical and operational readiness of the Entry/Exit System.
Within 30 days of the Regulation’s entry into force, eu-LISA is required to deliver a high-level roll-out plan to the European Commission, the European Parliament, Member States, and Europol. This plan will take into account national plans for connecting to the central system and provide the associated reporting.
Additionally, eu-LISA will:
Monitor the stability of the central EES system and recommend adjustments where necessary.
Provide the Commission with statistics and assessments to support oversight and implementation monitoring.
Publish regular performance reports to guide further development and ensure alignment with operational expectations.
Responsibilities of Member States
Member States must submit their national roll-out plans within 60 days of the Regulation’s entry into force, following consultation with both the Commission and eu-LISA. These plans must be submitted to the European Commission and reviewed by eu-LISA to ensure consistency with the high-level plan and to confirm that no critical deficiencies exist.
The national roll-out plans must specify:
The border crossing points where the EES will initially be implemented.
The percentage of border crossings to be processed via the system at each phase.
The timeline and scope of biometric functionality deployment at each location.
Once implementation begins, Member States will be required to submit monthly progress reports to the Commission and eu-LISA, detailing compliance with their roll-out plans and identifying any corrective measures needed.
Border Experience During the Roll-Out
While the EES is being phased in, several transitional measures will apply at border crossing points:
Passport stamping will remain in effect for all travellers until the end of the roll-out period.
Where biometric functionalities are not yet operational, entry records will be created using travel document data only.
Border authorities will use both stamps and EES data during checks; in case of discrepancies, stamps will take precedence.
The automated stay duration calculator will not be accurate; therefore, the automated identification of overstayers will be temporarily disabled to account for partial data during the roll-out.
Temporary suspensions of EES use may occur at specific border points in the event of high traffic or technical disruptions.
Travellers will be informed of the roll-out and their obligations through updated information campaigns at border posts and online platforms.
Looking Ahead
The progressive deployment of the Entry/Exit System marks a significant step forward in the EU’s approach to external border management. It combines enhanced security, operational flexibility and improved user experience, paving the way for a fully digital, biometric system that strengthens oversight and reduces administrative burdens on border authorities.
