First Entry: Complete Registration
Total Time: 5-10 minutes
Your first EES entry requires full biometric registration. Subsequent visits will be much faster (1-2 minutes with kiosks).
Arrival at Border
After landing and collecting baggage (if applicable), proceed to passport control. Look for signs directing you to:
- "Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals" line
- "EES Registration" desks or kiosks
- "Third-Country Nationals" (same as above)
Document Presentation
Present your documents to the border officer or at a self-service kiosk:
- Valid passport (6+ months remaining validity)
- Return/onward ticket (if required)
- Proof of accommodation (if requested)
- ETIAS authorization (from 2026)
What happens: Your passport is scanned automatically. The system extracts your personal details and checks them against security databases.
Biometric Data Collection
The most important step - registering your biometric data:
Fingerprint Scanning (2-3 minutes)
- Place 4 right fingers on scanner (index to pinky)
- Place right thumb separately
- Repeat with left hand (4 fingers, then thumb)
- Officer verifies all prints are clear
Facial Image Capture (1 minute)
- • Look directly at camera
- • Remove glasses, hats, face coverings
- • Neutral expression (no smiling)
- • Photo matched with passport image
Questions & Verification
The border officer may ask you questions about your trip:
- Purpose of visit: Tourism, business, family visit, etc.
- Duration of stay: How many days you plan to stay
- Accommodation: Where you'll be staying
- Means of support: How you'll fund your trip
- Return plans: Evidence you'll leave before 90 days
Entry Approval & Record Creation
Once everything is verified:
- Your EES entry record is created with all biometric data
- Entry date is logged automatically (no stamp needed)
- You receive verbal confirmation of entry
- Your 90/180 day counter starts automatically
You're in! Proceed to collect baggage (if you haven't already) and exit the terminal.
Return Visits: Faster Processing
Total Time: 1-2 minutes
Once you're registered in EES, future entries are much faster using self-service kiosks or quick verification at officer desks.
Self-Service Kiosks
Most major airports will have EES self-service kiosks:
- Scan your passport
- Quick fingerprint verification (1-2 fingers)
- Facial recognition scan
- Automatic gate opens if verified
Officer Desk (Quick Lane)
If kiosks aren't available or you prefer human interaction:
- Present passport to officer
- Quick fingerprint or facial scan
- System confirms your existing record
- Entry approved in seconds
What EES Checks on Return Visits
- • Your biometric data matches existing record
- • Your 90/180 day compliance status (automatic calculation)
- • No security alerts or entry bans
- • Passport is still valid
- • ETIAS authorization is active (from 2026)
Leaving the Schengen Area
Exit Registration Process
When you leave the Schengen Area, your exit must also be registered with EES:
Quick passport scan at exit control
Fingerprint or facial verification (very quick)
Exit date automatically logged in system
Your 90/180 day counter updated
Why Exit Registration is Important
Critical: Always ensure your exit is properly registered. Without exit registration:
- • The system thinks you're still in Schengen (overstay)
- • You may face entry problems on future visits
- • Your 90/180 day count will be incorrect
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