New entry and exit digital system starts operations in Schengen countries
All non-EU nationals will be required to register electronically upon entering or exiting Schengen countries – including Switzerland
Important Information
As of 12 October 2025, a new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations in Schengen countries.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-Schengen nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of the Schengen states.
The Swiss airports in Basel and Geneva will implement the Entry/Exit System (EES) collection biometric data starting 12.10.2025. Zurich Airport will begin on 17.11.2025 and will also collect biometric data from the beginning. The smaller airports with a Schengen external border will follow between the 90th and 170th day after the go-live date (i.e. 12.10.2025).
The EES will be gradually introduced in external borders until full implementation by 10 April 2026.
For the purpose of the EES, ‘non-EU national’ means a traveller not holding the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
‘Short stay’ means up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This period is calculated as a single period for all the European countries using the EES.
For mor information see this link.
