After repeated delays in implementing the new EES (European Entry-Exit System) at the EU level, the Dutch Government has indicated that this futuristic electronic border system will become operational in the Netherlands in 2026.
The new border apparatus is gradually being rolled out across EU Schengen countries and in some non-EU Schengen states, such as Norway and Switzerland.
Those excluded are Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, and (as it is non-Schengen) Ireland, which will still use manual stamps to mark entry and exit of internationals.
What is the EU Entry Exit System?
Imagine this: You’re entering Europe for the first time, ready for your big trip to Amsterdam. You’ve travelled hours, days even, and are just excited to get that stamp on your passport and crash into bed.
However, as you approach the border check, an enormous queue sprawls before you. And, no one is stamping passports. Instead, they’re asking for… fingerprints? A scan of your face? What is this futuristic new addition to the nightmare that is international airports?
Welcome, my friends, to the EES — the EU’s new Entry Exit System.
The automated IT system registers “non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period, each time they cross an external border of a European country,” according to the Rijksoverheid.
This applies to visa-required and visa-exempt third-country nationals.
The system requires internationals to hand over additional data, such as fingerprints and facial images, to border agents.
Essentially, the system is replacing the old method of manually recording when an international visitor arrives with the collection of person-specific (biometric) data electronically.
Seems a bit Big-Brothery, no? Well, according to the EU, the switch is worth doing.
Why is the EU bringing in the EES?
According to the European Commission, the purpose is largely security and efficiency-related.
The aim is to reduce overstays and improve border management and security, according to the website dedicated to explaining the new system.
“The EES will enhance the security of Europe’s borders and security in Europe in general,” according to the Government of the Netherlands.
Who is affected by the EES?
In short, all travellers who do not hold the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland,” as the website states.
This means that UK, US, Canadian, Australian, and all other non-EU nationalities will need to be registered via the EES upon entry.
What if I have a residence permit?
In that case, you are exempt: non-EU nationals with residence permits or long-stay visas are free to travel without EES registration. You’re practically Dutch, after all.
Short-stay visas are not exempt. Sorry, guys!
For a full list of which travellers are exempt from the EES rules, see here.
When will the EES be implemented?
According to the EU’s Migration and Home Affairs website, this system is long overdue.
- It was first proposed in 2016 as part of the Smart Borders Package to help modernise European border security.
- By the end of 2017, the system and subsequent amendments to the Schengen Border Code were approved by the European Parliament and Council.
- Finally, by 2024, an agreement was reached to start the progressive rollout of EES operations in 2025.
- In October 2025, the system was first launched in several EU countries. However, the exact rollout varies by country.
- As for the Netherlands, the government has announced that the system will be fully implemented by April 10, 2026.
Will this cause delays at borders?
Besides the ethical controversy of increased personal data acquisition, airports have warned that the rollout of the EES could cause delays and problems.
According to Politico, Brussels Airport strongly warned travellers of longer wait times at the border when the rollout began last October.
Ironically, one of the system’s benefits is listed as faster border checks…
But hey, switching from paper and ink to facial recognition and fingerprint scans is bound to have a learning curve.
The moral of the story? Schiphol Airport may soon add day-long border control wait periods to its list of grievances in the coming months. Hopefully though, this will only be temporary.
What do you think of the new system? Let us know in the comments!
