Embassy News New EU Digital Entry/Exit System takes full effect on the 10th of April 2026New EU Digital Entry/Exit System takes full effect on the 10th of April 2026
On 10 April 2026, Greece, together with the other countries of Schengen area, fully implemented the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), replacing manual passport stamps with a digital border control system for third-country nationals.
The EES will record travellers’ biometric data (such as fingerprints and facial images) as well as dates and locations of entry/exit, with the aim of simplifying border controls and preventing overstays.
What is the EES?
The EES is a new automated IT system designed to monitor and record border crossings for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area for short stays.
What does this mean for travellers?
Biometric data: The first time you cross the external border of a Schengen country (including Greece), you will need to give your fingerprints and have your photograph taken at the border. This data will be stored for three years, so you will not need to do this every time you travel.
Digital record: Instead of manual passport stamps, a digital record of your entry and exit will be created.
Purpose: The EES aims to increase efficiency at borders, prevent irregular migration and make it easier to detect travellers who have overstayed their authorised stay.
Which countries does it apply to?
The EES applies to third-country nationals travelling for short stays to Schengen countries (i.e. the EU Member States, except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway).
It replaces the traditional passport stamping procedure for these travellers at the external Schengen borders.
What you need to do:
You do not need to register before reaching the border. The process takes place upon arrival.
There are no costs associated with registering with the EES.
Failure to comply with the biometric data collection requirement could result in a refusal of entry into the Schengen area.
For more information, please refer to the official website of the European Union (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees) and the Greek police official website (https://www.astynomia.gr/entry-exit-system-ees/?lang=en)
Relevant documents:
EU Entry/Exit System (EES)- Leaflet
