EES launches on Sunday, Oct. 12 and will be gradually rolled out across the external borders of 29 European countries by April 10, 2026.
If you’re a visitor heading to Europe for a short stay, you’ll need to sign up for the EES, a new automated IT system. A “short stay” refers to a visit to Europe lasting up to 90 days within 180 days. Registering for the EES is mandatory, regardless of whether or not you require a visa to travel to Europe.
Any traveller who crosses the external borders of any of the 29 European countries listed below will be required to register.
It bugs me that they’d be taking biometrics like fingerprints for this. Pretty invasive if I just want to visit family or see ruins.