The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated digital border framework introduced by the European Union for non-EU travellers. It replaces traditional ink passport stamps with biometric digital scans of your fingerprints and facial data.
No, you do not need to register online before your trip. Your initial registration and biometric data capture will take place at the border control booth or self-service kiosk upon your arrival in a participating European country.
Once you complete your initial registration at the border, your biometric profile and travel data will stay valid within the secure system for up to three years. This speeds up border processing on subsequent visits.
No, South African passport holders cannot use the self-service kiosks or automated e-gates because South African passports currently lack the required biometric microchip. You must instead queue for a traditional border security booth for manual fingerprinting and photo capture.
The EES automatically calculates your precise allowed “90-day short stay” limit within any rolling 180-day period across all 29 participating European nations. This digital tracking replaces the need for border agents to look through passport stamps manually.
Key Details for Travellers
- What it tracks: It automatically calculates your allowed “90-day short stay” within any 180-day rolling period across 29 participating European countries.
- No prior application: You do not need to register online before you travel; you will do it upon your initial final arrival.
- Validity: Once registered, your biometric data stays valid in the system for up to three years.
Important for British Passport Holders:
- Since UK passports have a biometric data chip, you will be able to use self-service kiosks or e-gates at most entry points to complete your registration quickly.
- Brits can travel visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Important for South African Passport Holders:
- South African passports do not contain the necessary biometric microchip. Therefore, you will not be allowed to use the quick self-service kiosks or e-gates.
- You will need to wait in the line for a traditional border security booth so an immigration official can manually take your fingerprints and facial photo.
- A standard Schengen Visa is required to enter the bloc.
General Advice
- The system is new and requires biometrics, border processing which will initially take longer than usual.
- Official Info Hub: For more details and up-to-date travel tips, click on the following link: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees European Union EES Guide.
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