Starting on 12 October 2025, 29 European countries including Italy will introduce the automated entry control system known as the Entry/Exit System (EES). The system will become fully operational by 10 April 2026, giving member states a six-month implementation period. During this period, it may not instantly collect travellers’ data at every border crossing.
The system aims to streamline border control procedures while increasing security in the Schengen area and combating irregular immigration. Il will register third-country nationals travelling for short stays, i.e. no more than 90 days within a 180-day period. This will happen regardless of any exemption from a type C visa.
Exemptions from registration
Citizens of European countries using the EES – as well as Cyprus, the Republic of Ireland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City or the Holy See – will not be registered through the system when travelling to other participating countries. There are also exemptions from registration for the following categories of third-country nationals:
- Family members of EU citizens who hold a residence card
- Family members of third-country nationals who can travel in Europe as EU citizens and hold a residence permit or card
- Third-country nationals travelling to Europe for intra-corporate transfers or for the purpose of undertaking research, studies, training courses, voluntary activities or participating in school exchange programmes, educational projects and au pair work;
- Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas
- Holders of a border traffic permit, railway staff during connecting journeys, or holders of special privileges
Finally, individual states have the power to introduce discretionary exemptions to the EES.
Registration procedure
Citizens subject to ESS checks will have to provide their personal data from their travel document. Furthermore, they will provide their biometric data (facial photo and/or fingerprints) and the date and place of entry and exit. The system will also record any refusals of entry.
Upon first entry into a participating country after the implementation of the EES, citizens will have to provide their personal and biometric data through a self-service system or app, if available. The system will record the date to facilitate subsequent entries, unless otherwise required.
The system will process data in full compliance with European privacy regulation 2017/2226. It will be accessible to border authorities, immigration authorities and law enforcement authorities. It will be available also to other countries or international organisations (when necessary according with strict regulations) and carriers for C visa entries verification.
Finally, in the last four months of 2026, the European Union will also introduce ETIAS. This will be a travel authorisation for citizens who can enter without a visa. Further information will be provided in the coming months.
