Entry/Exit System (EES): no more passport stamps for third‑country nationals on short stays in the Schengen area
What is the EES?
On 10 April, the Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational in the 29 Schengen Member States. This new system replaces the traditional passport stamps for third‑country nationals (travelers who are not nationals of an EU Member State) entering the Schengen area for a short stay. A short stay corresponds to a maximum presence of 90 days within a 180‑day period.
The system automatically calculates the number of remaining short‑stay days. If a person holds a C‑type visa (short stay) with a shorter validity period, the EES monitors that specific limit.
When a traveler exceeds the authorized duration, the system automatically issues an “overstay notification” to the competent authorities. This may result in a fine or even an entry ban.
Objective: to speed up border checks, strengthen security, and prevent illegal immigration.
How does it work?
Third‑country nationals crossing a Schengen border for the first time since the introduction of the EES must provide their personal data. Border authorities scan their fingerprints and/or take a facial image. These data are stored in a digital database.
Upon a subsequent entry into the Schengen area, only the fingerprints and facial image are verified. Third‑country nationals holding a biometric passport may now use automated border control gates.
Border authorities, visa services, immigration authorities and police services of participating countries have access to the EES. For the time being, travelers do not have direct access to their own EES data. In the future, an online tool will be available that allows them to view their entries and exits.
Who does the EES apply to?
The EES applies to all third‑country nationals undertaking a short stay in the Schengen area, whether they are subject to the C‑type visa requirement or not.
The EES does not apply to third‑country nationals holding a D‑type visa (long stay), and persons holding a residence permit issued by a Schengen Member State.
What additional administrative obligations apply for a short stay in Belgium?
In addition to EES registration, Belgium requires an additional declaration for travelers who are not staying in a hotel. This declaration, which must be submitted to the competent municipality, was simplified on 10 April 2026.
Third‑country nationals
- They must declare their stay to the municipality within three days of their arrival.
- Since 10 April 2026, this declaration may also be completed online via My address in Belgium. The traveler then receives a confirmation by email.
- Third‑country nationals staying based on a visa or residence permit issued by another Schengen State cannot use the online declaration and must appear in person at the municipality to complete their arrival declaration.
EU citizens (and their third‑country national family members)
- They are not registered in the EES.
- They must declare their stay in Belgium within ten days.
- They may also complete this declaration online via My address in Belgium.
Also expected at the end of 2026: ETIAS
At the end of 2026, in addition to the EES, the ETIAS system (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be introduced in the 29 Schengen Member States, as well as in Cyprus.
ETIAS is a mandatory prior travel authorization for third‑country nationals not subject to a visa requirement and travelling to Europe for a short stay. With a valid ETIAS authorization, travelers will be able to make multiple short stays in the countries concerned.
ETIAS is comparable to the digital travel authorization systems used by the United States (ESTA) and the United Kingdom (ETA).
The authorization is linked to the passport. It is valid for up to three years, or less if the passport expires before that date.
Pro-Pay remains at your disposal for any questions relating to the employment of foreign workers and can handle single permit or work permit applications on behalf of your company. For further information, you may contact: legal@propay.be
