Overview

• EU legislators and member-state governments have agreed on a six-month phased implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) to modernize Schengen border management.
• The EES will record biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, of non-EU travelers to monitor stays, combat identity fraud, and improve migration management.
• The rollout will begin without biometrics in the first two months, with at least 35% of border crossings processed through the system by month three and full operation by month six.
• Real-time access to traveler data will help member states detect overstays and irregular migration while replacing manual passport stamping.
• A definitive launch date remains pending formal ratification by the European Commission, Council, and Parliament.