Dear passenger,
Hello! Starting from October 12, 2025, the European Union has been progressively implementing the new Entry/Exit System (EES) to register third-country nationals for short-term stays. The EES System will come into full operation in April 2026. To ensure seamless travel throughout Europe, we have compiled pertinent guidelines for your reference.
I. Applicable Countries for EES
Currently, the EES system has came into use in 29 European countries, namely Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Cyprus and Ireland have not yet implemented the EES, and passenger passports are still manually stamped for inspection.
II. Eligible Personnel and Stay Requirements for EES
(I) Applicable Personnel: All third-country nationals (i.e., travelers not holding citizenship of an EU member state, or of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland) who are either visa-exempt or require a visa, and are permitted to stay in the Schengen Area for short-term visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
(II) Definition of Stay: Short stay stay means up to 90-day stay within any 180-day period. This period is calculated as a single period for all the European countries using the EES.
III. EES System Operation Procedures
(1) Initial Entry: Upon first arrival at a border crossing point equipped with the EES, you will be required to provide personal data, including information in travel documents (such as name, date of birth, etc.), facial image and fingerprints (biometric data), dates and locations of entry into or exit from European countries, and information on denied entry (where applicable). The EES electronic registration system will capture your facial image and/or scan your fingerprints. This information will be recorded in a digital file.
(II) Subsequent Travels: As the photo of your face and/or fingerprints have been registered in the EES system, the EES electronic registration system will only need to verify your fingerprints and photo during subsequent travels.
IV. Impact of the EES System on Travel and Customs Clearance Guidelines
(I) Non-EU/Non-Schengen Nationals: At the external borders of the Schengen Area, border authorities will collect information regarding your identity and travel documents, along with biometric data (including facial image and fingerprints). Your entry and exit data will be electronically recorded in the EES to replace the stamps in your passport. During the initial phase of the EES system implementation, to ensure the accuracy of passenger information, the Border Management Agency requires travelers to undergo secondary manual verification at the counter after completing electronic registration via EES. Consequently, the queuing time at border checkpoints will be significantly longer than usual.
(II) EU/Schengen Nationals or Residence Permit Holders: May utilize the EasyPASS channel, while long-term visa holders may proceed directly to border control counters.
(III) Connecting Flight Advisory: During connecting flight transfers, you may be required to undergo border inspection and/or security screening. When booking connecting flights, please ensure sufficient layover time. During transit, promptly proceed through border control and security screening to avoid delays in subsequent travel segments.
V. EU ETIAS System Forecasts
In addition to the Entry/Exit System (EES), the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will also be implemented shortly. Starting from late 2026, visa-exempt non-EU nationals (such as citizens from the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan) will be required to obtain ETIAS authorization (European Travel Information and Authorization System) prior to entering the Schengen Area. Details will be announced as the launch date approaches. Please pay attention to official EU notifications.
VI. Additional Information Inquiry Channels
For complete details and the latest updates on the EES system, please visit the official website of the European Union:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/zh/ees
Have a pleasant trip!
Air China Limited
March 2026
