EES 2025–2026: this is how the new entry and exit control system of the Schengen Area works
24 Octubre, 2025
Desde October 12, 2025, the European Union has begun implementing the new Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated database that replaces the manual stamping of passports at the external borders of the Schengen Area.
The goal is clear: to strengthen security, improve the management of migration flows, and automatically monitor the length of stay of non-European visitors.
The system is in a progressive implementation phase, and it is expected to be fully operational by April 2026, according to the European Commission and the Government of Spain.
What exactly is the EES?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a common digital registry for all Schengen countries that electronically records the entries and exits of third-country nationals who travel to the European area for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
On their first entry after October 12, each traveler will need to register their facial photo and fingerprints, in addition to passport data.
On subsequent trips, the border crossing will be faster, as the system will automatically recognize the traveler through biometric verification.
With this system, the European Union seeks to prevent irregular stays and reduce identity fraud, replacing the physical stamp method with an automated and secure control system.
Who does this new control affect?
The EES does not affect all travelers, but its application depends on the type of permit or residence status.
It applies to:
- Third-country nationals traveling to the Schengen Area for short stays (90/180 days), with or without a visa.
- Holders of temporary residence permits in a Schengen country (such as Spain), except those who are family members of a European Union citizen. In these cases, their entry or exit through an external border will be recorded in the EES.
It does not apply to:
- Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland.
- Immediate family members of EU citizens with a valid residence card.
- Holders of long-term EU residence permits or long-stay visas.
As a result, people with temporary residence in Spain are subject to the EES, while holders of long-term residence and family members of EU citizens are exempt from registration in this system.
Does it affect movement within the Schengen Area?
No. The EES only applies to external borders of the Schengen Area, such as airports, seaports, or land crossings with non-Schengen countries.
Movements within the Schengen Area (for example, from Spain to France or Italy) will not be recorded or controlled by the EES.
Free movement between Schengen countries remains unchanged.
At Aray Asociados, we remind readers that this system does not introduce internal surveillance or control over movement within the EU, but is limited to entries and exits from or to third countries.
Will it be used to check if a resident in Spain meets the minimum 183 days per year?
Not necessarily.
The 183-day requirement refers mainly to tax residence and, in some cases, to effective residence required under Spanish immigration law.
The EES does not record movements within the Schengen Area, so it will not be used to calculate time spent in Spain when the resident travels between EU or Schengen countries.
However, the system will record entries and exits to or from non-Schengen countries, which could provide supplementary information to verify or contrast periods spent outside Europe.
Therefore, the EES will not be directly used to monitor the 183-day requirement, but external departure data could have evidentiary or complementary value in certain administrative or tax procedures in Spain.
How could it affect those with temporary or long-term residence in Spain?
For temporary residence holders, the EES will apply.
Each time they cross an external Schengen border (for example, to Morocco, the United Kingdom, or the United States), the system will record their entry or exit, even if their main residence is in Spain.
By contrast, holders of long-term EU residence permits, as well as immediate family members of EU citizens with valid residence cards, are exempt from registration in the system, as established by official EU documentation.
During the first months of implementation (from October 2025 to April 2026), delays or additional checks may occur at border crossings due to system adjustments.
In all cases, Aray Asociados recommends always traveling with valid documentation and, if the TIE is being renewed, carrying the return authorization issued by the Immigration Office.
What changes for tourists or short-stay visitors?
For non-European travelers visiting the Schengen Area as tourists, the change is significant.
- On their first entry after October 12, 2025, their facial photo and fingerprints will be taken, along with passport data.
- On subsequent trips, passage will be faster thanks to automatic biometric identification.
- The system will keep an exact digital record of the days spent within the Schengen Area and automatically alert authorities in case of exceeding the 90-day limit.
Additionally, the EES will allow information sharing among member states, facilitating the detection of possible visa abuse or multiple entries.
Data protection and record retention
The information will be stored in the EU’s common database managed by eu-LISA, with a retention period of 3 years if the stay is completed correctly, or up to 5 years if no exit is recorded or an irregular stay is detected.
National authorities may access this data only for migration, border control, or security purposes.
Official timeline
- October 12, 2025: start of the EES progressive rollout.
- October 2025 to April 2026: gradual deployment at airports, seaports, and external land borders.
- April 10, 2026: full implementation expected across the EU.
Aray Asociados recommends traveling with sufficient time in advance and being aware of possible temporary delays during this period of technological adjustment.
Conclusion
The new European Union Entry/Exit System represents an important technological advancement to strengthen border security and management but does not alter internal mobility within the Schengen Area or the obligations of residents in Spain.
In summary:
- It affects non-European visitors and temporary residence holders when crossing external borders.
- It does not affect long-term EU residents or immediate family members of EU citizens.
- It will not be used to directly monitor compliance with the 183-day minimum stay requirement.
- And it does not introduce new internal Schengen controls.
At Aray Asociados Lawyers · Advisers, we remind our clients that the implementation of this system does not change the residence rules in Spain, but it may cause delays or uncertainties at the border during the first months of transition.
Our team is available to advise on international travel, residence renewals, and compliance with European immigration regulations.
