Book online
←Guide

Launch of the Entry/Exit System

What is the European Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES (Entry/Exit System) is a new European Union regulation that will gradually come into force from 12 October 2025. It is a computerised system for recording the entries and exits of third-country nationals* who arrive for a short stay in the Schengen area. The EES collects data such as passport scans, fingerprints and facial images, as well as the dates, times and the location of the border crossings.

This information is stored in a shared database to facilitate monitoring how long people stay and detect cases where people may have exceeded the authorised period.

Who is affected?  

The EES system applies to travellers who are not citizens of the European Union or countries associated with the Schengen area (such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland) arriving to stay up to 3 months in the Schengen area.

Implementation at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

  • Gradual roll-out: The system will be gradually installed at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport from 12 October 2025, with full implementation scheduled for 10 April 2026.
  • Arrival procedure: Passengers subject to the EES must go to border control and follow the ‘all passports’ queue for checks. Self-service automated check-in booths will soon be deployed to save time during checks at border control (scheduled for early 2026).
  • Exemptions: Children under the age of 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.

Practical advice for passengers

  • Border control time: Allow a little extra time for border checks, as collecting biometric data may add a few minutes to the process.

For more information

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the European Entry/Exit System (EES)?

    The EES (Entry/Exit System) is an automated computer system for registering third-country nationals arriving for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of the European countries using this system.

  • Who is affected by the EES?

    Third-country nationals. This means travellers who are not nationals of any European Union country or of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland and who are coming for a short visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This period is considered a single period and include the time spent in all European countries using the EES.

  • What is the purpose of the EES?

    The EES modernises European border management by electronically recording the entries, exits and any entry refusals of non-European passengers.
    It will speed up checks, eventually replace passport stamps and reduce queues through automated checks points.
    The system enhances security by preventing identity fraud, detecting those who overstay and helping to identify criminals, terrorists or victims.

  • When will deployment begin at Nice Airport?

    The system started its deployment at Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport on 12 October 2025. Full implementation is scheduled for April 2026.

  • What does the gradual implementation of the EES mean?

    The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be phased in at the external borders of the 29 European countries over a period of six months. During this period, biometric data (photographs and fingerprints) will be collected in stages. This means that this data will not be collected immediately at all border crossing points, and passports will continue to be stamped as usual.
    The EES will be fully operational in all participating countries from 10 April 2026.

  • What data is collected by the EES?

    The EES records biometric data based on whether the passenger:
    has a visa: in which case, only the facial image is stored (fingerprints are already taken when applying for a visa).
    does not have a visa: then, the system stores the facial image and four fingerprints.
    All data collection is carried out in full compliance with data protection regulations and rights.

  • What document do I need to present at border control?

    All passports, whether biometric or not, will be accepted at border control, provided they are valid and all other entry requirements are met.
    A biometric passport will be required to use the self-service booths that will be deployed in Nice at a later date.

  • Who is exempt from EES checks?

    Children under the age of 12 are exempt from fingerprinting. However, they must still carry a valid passport.

  • How long does it take?

    Allow a little more time to pass through the border control checkpoints, usually a few extra minutes depending on how busy it is.

  • Where can I get more information?