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What is the Entry/Exit System (EES) in Europe? Travel Tip Tuesday
Meggan shares details on the Entry/Exit System (EES) for the Schengen Area, which began in October 2025. Learn if it applies to you and how the system works.
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Hey everyone, and welcome back to Travel Tip Tuesday. We are so glad you're here. I am so glad to be joined by Jenn, as always. How are you on this Tuesday? I am doing well. How about you? I am good. Thank you for asking. So today we thought we would chat about the new EES or entry exit requirement for Europe. More is specifically the Schengen area that began in October of 2025 and expects to be fully implemented by April of 2026. So just to kick things off, like what is the entry exit requirement? So it is a digital border control system for non EU citizens for the Schengen area, which consists of 29 countries. And it isn't something you do in advance. This happens upon arrival and departure. Once you're in or leaving, participating countries, it is for short stays up to 90 days in a 180 day period, that's all you're allowed to stay in the Schengen Mm-hmm. It can be confusing because in the last quarter of 2026. Uh, the E-T-I-A-S is expected to start to so many so So many. Um, so the E-T-I-A-S will be a pre-authorization for visa exempt tourists entering the Schengen area, but as of this recording, that is not a requirement yet. Mm-hmm. So back to the EES. Which has just begun. What do you need to know? So essentially, at the border of participating countries, if you are not a citizen, you will need to queue and get your biometric data collected, including facial scanning and fingerprints. And unfortunately, it will replace passport stamps, which people have long enjoyed collecting. I think a question that really came to mind for me, uh, is, will I need to submit my data in this way every time I enter the Schengen area? So essentially your data will be valid for three years, and once your information is on file. Border guards will use it to validate your identity each time you enter and exit. So Mm-hmm. and entry will still be recorded via this process. But typically your data won't need to be collected again until after each three year period has expired. But of course, exceptions can apply. It's up to them. Of course. It's not your decision if they need it. Again, Yeah, for sure. Biometric passport holders will be able to pass the crossing more quickly using the self-service system if available at the border crossing in question. So they may not have that available. So, but if they do and you have a biometric passport, use it. So what is the purpose of this new process? Although it will potentially take more time at first because everyone will need to go through it the first time. Eventually, it will be more efficient to validate identity and take less time for border guards and travelers alike. This process is to help better track people who overstay their time and the Schengen area. It is very exclusive. They don't want people just hanging out. Um, also, the capturing of biometric data helps combat identity fraud, ensuring everyone is accurately identified. Also, this system integrates with other systems in the EU helping to enhance information and more easily identify persons involved in criminal activity. So Jenn, what are your thoughts on this new system and having your data gathered with no more passport stamps? Hmm. So I have a biometric passport, which is also called an E passport, just in case anyone out there is confused about what that is. I, all new passports in Canada are, uh, e passports. Hopefully that makes things easier. That's the idea. Uh, I've long accepted that traveling means handing over my personal details and I'm fine with that. Like that, that's just a world I'm fine living in. Um, the passport stamps make me a little bit sad, but I actually don't remember the last time I got my passport stamps. It. Like, I don't, they haven't pa stamped it going to the US The last like several times I've gone. by plane. Even by plane? No, no, no. I haven't had my passport stamp flying to the US in, in years. Okay. Um, so. Yeah, I, I don't know. I, it, it makes me sad, but like I'm all for shorter and safer border crossing, so like whatever we need to do to get there, I, I'm into it. Um, it is good to know that we don't have to do anything like in advance of the trip yet, but we'll definitely make sure to update, uh, you, the listener, when the E-T-I-A-S starts next year, just so we're all on the same page. Exactly, and it can be confusing'cause two different entry, um, things that are required is like, well, which one are we doing? Which one is it? So it is a lot Yeah. So hopefully this is helpful. We just wanted to essentially share this new requirement and a bit of information on what you can expect. And that's it for this week's Travel Tip Tuesday. So as always, we wish you safe travels and you can find us and follow us on social media at Travel Mug Podcast on our website at travelmugpodcast.com. Where we have more detailed information on our episodes and a catalog as well. And if you like what we're doing here, leave us a review or buy us a coffee via the link in our show notes. And until next time, bye.
