Europe’s EES System June 2026 Update
The transition to Europe’s new digital border system is a topic we are tracking very closely for our clients. Because we want your upcoming travels with Vacations To Remember to be as seamless as possible, we have put together a comprehensive update on how Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is operating in real time as of June 2026.
We want to ensure you are fully prepared for a new update regarding European travel. The European Union has officially launched its new Entry/Exit System (EES).
This digital border system completely replaces traditional physical passport stamps with a biometric database at all member border crossings. If you hold a US, Canadian, or other non-EU passport and are traveling for tourism or business (up to 90 days within any 180-day period), this system applies to you.
While the initial rollout has experienced some regional bottlenecks and headlines of extended wait times, real-time feedback shows that knowing the layout of the process ahead of time is the single best way to minimize stress.
Here is what you need to know to navigate the system efficiently on your upcoming vacation.
Understanding the Arrival Process: The Mandatory 2-Step Sequence
When you step off the aircraft in Europe, you cannot head directly to the traditional passport control queues. The process is now split into two distinct steps. Missing the first step will result in being redirected to the back of the line.
1: Biometric Self-Service Registration
Step 1: Upon Arrival
Before approaching the immigration gates, locate the designated self-service EES kiosks. You must scan your passport, have your photo captured by the camera, and provide four fingerprints. Note: Certain locations (such as Milan Malpensa) may also display brief on-screen questions regarding your length of stay, purpose of travel, or currency carried.
2: Proceed to the eGate Immigration Line
Step 2: Border Clearance
Once your registration at the kiosk is complete, follow the signs specifically designated for non-EU passports leading to the automated eGates or border officers. Here, the system will verify your freshly captured data to clear you into the country.
The 3-Year Rule: Your first registration will take approximately 3 to 5 minutes, and this digital profile remains valid for three years. On any subsequent trips to Europe during this window, you will only need to verify your existing biometrics rather than re-registering from scratch.
(Note that Sweden and Portugal let you complete a portion of the registration process before you land in Europe using the Travel to Europe app.)
Pro-Tips from Vacations To Remember to "Beat the System"
Our goal is to get you out of the airport and into your vacation as quickly as possible. Please keep these real-time strategies in mind:
Utilize Pre-Registration Apps: If you are arriving into Sweden or Portugal, download the official Travel to Europe app prior to departure. You can pre-submit your arrival details to generate a personal QR code. While you will still need to visit a physical kiosk upon arrival, scanning your QR code significantly accelerates the process.
Remove Passport Covers: To avoid errors at both the registration kiosks and the eGates, remove any bulky protective sleeves or cases from your passport before inserting it into the scanners.
Exemptions for Families: If you are traveling with children under the age of 12, or if anyone in your party requires mobility assistance, you are exempt from the self-service kiosk registration. Your party should proceed directly to the staffed passport control desks.
Clearing the Exit Process on Departure
Exiting Europe also utilizes the digital eGate system, which has occasionally faced delays during peak travel banks due to user confusion. To ensure a swift departure when returning home:
Scanner Placement: Place your passport photo page face-down on the glass scanner and hold it firmly. Wait for the machine to completely finish reading the data before lifting it.
Maintain Space: Automated eGates operate on a vestibule system. If the gate ahead of you is occupied, the barrier will not open. Wait for the traveler ahead of you to clear the area entirely before stepping forward.
Look for the Camera: Once you enter the gate area, immediately look directly into the camera to allow the facial recognition software to match your profile and log your exit.
The EES is currently used in the following European countries:
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Note that the EES system is not currently being used in Cyprus and Ireland and this program is for Europe only. It is not being used in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).
Looking Ahead: ETIAS
Please keep in mind that EES is strictly an airport security tracking database. It is entirely separate from ETIAS (the upcoming European pre-travel authorization visa waiver program), which is slated to go into effect in late 2026. We will proactively notify you and handle those requirements when that system launches.
Should you have any questions regarding your upcoming flights, arrival hubs, or itinerary details, please do not hesitate to contact our team at Vacations To Remember. Our goal is to ensure you are fully prepared for your international travels!