How will the new Entry/Exit System (EES) affect travel for non-EU visitors?

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will change how non-EU travellers enter and leave the Schengen Area — but don’t worry, it’s meant to speed things up and improve security. Instead of stamping passports, the EU will use digital records and biometrics. Here’s what this means for you 👇 🛂 1. No more passport stamping Once EES begins, physical passport stamps will be replaced by a digital system. The system will automatically record your: • Date and place of entry • Date and place of exit • Visa details • Length of stay • Biometrics (face + fingerprints, first-time only) This eliminates errors and accidental overstays. 👤 2. First-time entry will take slightly longer When you enter Schengen for the first time after EES starts, you must: • Scan your passport • Give fingerprints • Take a facial image This adds a few extra minutes at immigration. After that, future entries are faster because your biometrics are already stored. ✨ 3. Faster processing for repeat travellers After your first registration, the system speeds up immigration because officers no longer need to check stamps manually. Everything is verified instantly in the database. 🚨 4. Overstays will be detected automatically EES counts the 90/180 days digitally, so: • No more miscalculations • No more missing stamps • Overstays are automatically flagged This makes it very important to plan your trip correctly. Outbound Singapore helps clients track their legal stay limits with our 90/180-day calculator. 🛄 5. Applies to both visa-free and visa-required travellers EES affects everyone who is not an EU/EEA citizen, including: • Visa-free travellers (e.g., Singaporeans, Malaysians, Americans) • Schengen visa holders • ETIAS travellers (once ETIAS starts) 🛫 6. EES will be used at airports, land borders, and seaports Expect new automated gates and self-service kiosks at many Schengen entry points. 💡 Outbound Singapore Tip The biggest change is that overstays will be tracked automatically — so it's more important than ever to ensure your itinerary aligns with Schengen rules. We guide our clients on: • Correctly calculating 90/180 days • Preparing for the first EES biometric entry • Understanding how EES works alongside ETIAS So your travel remains smooth and fully compliant.