The main purpose of the EES, which will become one of the large EU IT systems within the so-called interoperability framework, is to gradually replace the current system of manual passport stamping, improve border checks through digitalization, and speed up procedures for crossing external borders. With each crossing of the external border, the EES will register personal data from the travel document’s data page, biometric data (fingerprints and facial image), as well as the date and place of entry and exit, or refusal of entry where applicable. The system applies to both visa-required and visa-exempt foreign nationals (see Regulation (EU) 2017/2026 of the European Parliament and of the Council for details).

Contrary to earlier expectations, the EES will be introduced gradually over a six-month period, with full implementation from 10 April 2026. During this time, the entry and exit of foreign nationals will be recorded both electronically and by means of a passport stamp. The Czech Republic will fully join the EES from 12 October 2025.

Upon the first crossing of an external border of countries applying the EES, a third-country national’s biometric data will be collected and they will be asked to complete a short questionnaire on the purpose and conditions of travel (approx. 5 questions). These details can be pre-registered in the system upon arrival via so-called kiosks installed at international airports or external border crossing points. Another option will be to use a mobile app, which will also be introduced gradually. The traveller will then go through border control at a counter, where the data will be verified and confirmed in the system, or—if the pre-registration process at the kiosk has not taken place or was incorrect—completed by the foreign police. Pre-registration will only be possible for holders of biometric passports.

Exemptions

The EES will not apply to citizens of countries that implement the EES, nor to citizens of Ireland, Cyprus, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and holders of passports issued by the Vatican and the Holy See, holders of residence permits and long-stay visas issued by states applying the EES, i.e. also accredited diplomatic staff and ATP personnel of diplomatic missions.

The main source of information to which foreign nationals can be referred is the European Commission website:

http://travel-europe.europa.eu

GDPR

Personal data of individuals registered in the EES will be stored for 3 years, or 5 years in cases where no exit has