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Europe Visa Check

How the Entry/Exit System Works

A step-by-step guide to what happens at the Schengen border.

What Happens at the Border

  1. Your travel document (passport) is scanned electronically

  2. 4 fingerprints are captured (index and middle finger of each hand)

  3. A live facial image is taken

  4. Your entry is recorded digitally in the EES central system

  5. Your departure is recorded — no biometric capture needed on exit

First Visit vs Return Visits

The first time you enter the Schengen Area after EES launches, the full registration process applies — passport scan, fingerprints, and facial image. This takes about 1 minute on average.

On subsequent visits, the process is much faster. The system already has your biometrics on file, so only a quick facial scan is needed to verify your identity. This can take as little as 10 seconds, especially at automated gates.

Which Borders Use EES?

EES operates at all Schengen external borders — the points where you enter or leave the Schengen Area from a non-Schengen country. This includes:

  • Airports — International terminals with flights from outside the Schengen Area
  • Land borders — Road and rail crossings at Schengen external boundaries
  • Sea ports — Ferry terminals and cruise ship ports of entry

EES does not apply when traveling between Schengen countries. For example, flying from Paris to Berlin involves no border check because both France and Germany are in the Schengen Area.

Automated Border Control (ABC) Gates

Many major airports are installing or upgrading Automated Border Control (ABC) gates specifically for EES. These self-service kiosks let you complete the border process without queuing for a manual booth.

At an ABC gate, you scan your passport, look at the camera for facial recognition, and (on first visit) place your fingers on the scanner. The gate opens automatically once verified.

Not all border crossings will have ABC gates initially, but the largest airports in the Schengen Area are prioritizing their deployment.

No More Passport Stamps

EES completely replaces manual passport stamping at Schengen borders. Your entry and exit dates are stored digitally. This means border officers can instantly see your travel history and remaining stay — and you won't run out of blank passport pages from European stamps.

Related EES Information

Biometric Registration

What data is collected and your privacy rights

Processing Times

How long to expect at the border

EES Overview

Complete guide to the Entry/Exit System

How It Works FAQs

What if the biometric scanner doesn't work?
If there's a technical issue with fingerprint or facial capture, a border officer will process you manually. You won't be denied entry due to a technical problem with the scanners.
Can I use the automated gates on my first visit?
Some ABC gates support first-time registration (fingerprints + facial capture). Others are only for returning travelers. It depends on the airport and the specific gate technology installed.
What happens when I leave the Schengen Area?
On exit, your departure is recorded in the EES. Usually only a passport scan is needed — no biometric capture on exit. The system then calculates your total stay duration.
Does EES check my visa or ETIAS status?
Yes. The EES is connected to other EU systems including the Visa Information System (VIS) and, once launched, ETIAS. Border officers can verify your authorization to enter as part of the EES process.
What if I enter through a land border?
The same EES process applies at land borders, though the infrastructure may differ. Some land crossings may rely on handheld devices rather than fixed kiosks. Expect slightly longer processing during the initial rollout period.

Related Information

ETIAS Guide Schengen Calculator 90-Day Rule

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