This is an automated information system for registering third-country nationals who cross the external borders and stay for a short period in the territory of countries applying the EES (EU Member States except CY and IE), as well as IS, CH, LI, and NO. 
The main purpose of the EES, which will be included among the major EU IT systems within the framework of so-called interoperability, will be to gradually replace the existing system of manual stamping of travel documents, improve border controls through digitization, and speed up procedures when crossing external borders. Each time an external border is crossed, the EES will record personal data from the data page of the travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and facial image), and the date and place of entry and exit, or refusal of entry. The system applies to both visa and visa-free foreigners (see Regulation (EU) 2017/2026 of the European Parliament and of the Council for more details).
Contrary to initial assumptions, the EES will be introduced gradually over a six-month period, with full implementation scheduled for April 10, 2026. During this period, the entry and exit of foreign nationals will be recorded both electronically and by means of a stamp in their travel document. The Czech Republic will fully join the EES on October 12, 2025.
When first crossing the external border of countries applying the EES, third-country nationals will have their biometric data collected and will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire regarding the purpose and conditions of their trip (approximately 5 questions). This information can be pre-registered in the system upon arrival via kiosks installed at international airports or external border crossings. Another option will be to use a mobile application, which will also be introduced gradually (note: in the case of the Czech Republic, the use of the mobile application is planned for the first quarter of 2026). Passengers will then go through border control at the counter, where their data will be verified and confirmed in the system or, if the pre-registration process at the kiosk is not completed or is not completed correctly, supplemented by the foreign police. Pre-registration will only be possible for holders of biometric passports.
The EES will not apply to citizens of countries that apply the EES, 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-term visas issued by countries applying the EES, i.e. also accredited diplomatic and administrative  staff of representative offices.