Entry/Exit System (EES)

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new automated border control system introduced by the European Union. It will digitally record the entry and exit of non‑EU nationals travelling to the Schengen Area for short stays, replacing the manual stamping of passports.

The EES applies to third‑country nationals (non‑EU citizens) travelling to the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180‑day period, whether they require a visa or are visa‑exempt.

The EES does not apply to: Citizens of EU countries Nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland Holders of residence permits or long‑stay visas in Schengen countries Additionally, Ireland and Cyprus do not participate in the EES.

At airports using the EES: 

Travellers with biometric passports may use self‑service kiosks to scan their passport and provide biometric data. The data is checked by border authorities. Once approved, entry or exit is recorded electronically in the EES. Travellers without a biometric passport must proceed directly to a border control desk.

Yes, during the roll out of EES and during long queues at passport control, manual passport stamping will still be in place. It is likely that after the summer season the stamping of passport will be curtailed, and all entries and exits will be recorded digitally.

Entry always takes place at the first airport you arrive at within the Schengen Area. Exit always takes place at the last airport you depart from within the Schengen Area. Ryanair is a point to point airline and we do not offer connecting flights.

Once your biometric data (facial image and/or fingerprints) has been recorded, it will be reused for future trips for the next three years. On subsequent journeys, border control officers will only verify your fingerprints and photo, which should be quicker and helps make border checks more secure.