Latest / Travel Mug Podcast / What is the Entry/Exit System (EES) in Europe? Travel Tip Tuesday

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What is the Entry/Exit System (EES) in Europe? Travel Tip Tuesday · Travel Mug Podcast

• 0:00
  Hey everyone, and welcome back to Travel Tip Tuesday.
• 0:04
  We are so glad you're here.
• 0:06
  I am so glad to be joined by Jenn, as always.
• 0:10
  How are you on this Tuesday?
• 0:13
  I am doing well.
• 0:15
  How about you?
• 0:16
  I am good.
• 0:17
  Thank you for asking.
• 0:18
  So today we thought we would chat about the new EES or entry exit requirement for Europe.
• 0:24
  More is specifically the Schengen area that began in October of 2025 and expects to be fully implemented by April of 2026.
• 0:35
  So just to kick things off, like what is the entry exit requirement?
• 0:39
  So it is a digital border control system for non EU citizens for the Schengen area, which consists of 29 countries.
• 0:48
  And it isn't something you do in advance.
• 0:51
  This happens upon arrival and departure.
• 0:54
  Once you're in or leaving, participating countries, it is for short stays up to 90 days in a 180 day period, that's all you're allowed to stay in the Schengen Mm-hmm.
• 1:06
  It can be confusing because in the last quarter of 2026.
• 1:10
  Uh, the E-T-I-A-S is expected to start to so many so So many.
• 1:17
  Um, so the E-T-I-A-S will be a pre-authorization for visa exempt tourists entering the Schengen area, but as of this recording, that is not a requirement yet.
• 1:29
  Mm-hmm.
• 1:30
  So back to the EES.
• 1:32
  Which has just begun.
• 1:33
  What do you need to know?
• 1:34
  So essentially, at the border of participating countries, if you are not a citizen, you will need to queue and get your biometric data collected, including facial scanning and fingerprints.
• 1:47
  And unfortunately, it will replace passport stamps, which people have long enjoyed collecting.
• 1:55
  I think a question that really came to mind for me, uh, is, will I need to submit my data in this way every time I enter the Schengen area?
• 2:04
  So essentially your data will be valid for three years, and once your information is on file.
• 2:11
  Border guards will use it to validate your identity each time you enter and exit.
• 2:16
  So Mm-hmm.
• 2:17
  and entry will still be recorded via this process.
• 2:21
  But typically your data won't need to be collected again until after each three year period has expired.
• 2:27
  But of course, exceptions can apply.
• 2:29
  It's up to them.
• 2:30
  Of course.
• 2:31
  It's not your decision if they need it.
• 2:32
  Again, Yeah, for sure.
• 2:35
  Biometric passport holders will be able to pass the crossing more quickly using the self-service system if available at the border crossing in question.
• 2:45
  So they may not have that available.
• 2:46
  So, but if they do and you have a biometric passport, use it.
• 2:51
  So what is the purpose of this new process?
• 2:54
  Although it will potentially take more time at first because everyone will need to go through it the first time.
• 3:01
  Eventually, it will be more efficient to validate identity and take less time for border guards and travelers alike.
• 3:08
  This process is to help better track people who overstay their time and the Schengen area.
• 3:15
  It is very exclusive.
• 3:16
  They don't want people just hanging out.
• 3:19
  Um, also, the capturing of biometric data helps combat identity fraud, ensuring everyone is accurately identified.
• 3:27
  Also, this system integrates with other systems in the EU helping to enhance information and more easily identify persons involved in criminal activity.
• 3:38
  So Jenn, what are your thoughts on this new system and having your data gathered with no more passport stamps?
• 3:44
  Hmm.
• 3:45
  So I have a biometric passport, which is also called an E passport, just in case anyone out there is confused about what that is.
• 3:53
  I, all new passports in Canada are, uh, e passports.
• 3:58
  Hopefully that makes things easier.
• 4:01
  That's the idea.
• 4:02
  Uh, I've long accepted that traveling means handing over my personal details and I'm fine with that.
• 4:08
  Like that, that's just a world I'm fine living in.
• 4:12
  Um, the passport stamps make me a little bit sad, but I actually don't remember the last time I got my passport stamps.
• 4:21
  It.
• 4:21
  Like, I don't, they haven't pa stamped it going to the US The last like several times I've gone.
• 4:29
  by plane.
• 4:30
  Even by plane?
• 4:31
  No, no, no.
• 4:32
  I haven't had my passport stamp flying to the US in, in years.
• 4:36
  Okay.
• 4:37
  Um, so.
• 4:39
  Yeah, I, I don't know.
• 4:40
  I, it, it makes me sad, but like I'm all for shorter and safer border crossing, so like whatever we need to do to get there, I, I'm into it.
• 4:50
  Um, it is good to know that we don't have to do anything like in advance of the trip yet, but we'll definitely make sure to update, uh, you, the listener, when the E-T-I-A-S starts next year, just so we're all on the same page.
• 5:07
  Exactly, and it can be confusing'cause two different entry, um, things that are required is like, well, which one are we doing?
• 5:14
  Which one is it?
• 5:14
  So it is a lot Yeah.
• 5:16
  So hopefully this is helpful.
• 5:18
  We just wanted to essentially share this new requirement and a bit of information on what you can expect.
• 5:24
  And that's it for this week's Travel Tip Tuesday.
• 5:26
  So as always, we wish you safe travels and you can find us and follow us on social media at Travel Mug Podcast on our website at travelmugpodcast.com.
• 5:36
  Where we have more detailed information on our episodes and a catalog as well.
• 5:41
  And if you like what we're doing here, leave us a review or buy us a coffee via the link in our show notes.
• 5:46
  And until next time, bye.