A New Era in European Border Security

What is the Entry/Exit System?

The Entry/Exit System represents a transformative leap in border security technology. The EES is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay. The purpose of the EES is to make it easier to identify travellers who attempt to enter or exit the Schengen area under an incorrect identity or with a counterfeit passport, as well as individuals who have stayed longer than permitted in the Schengen area. The system will also contribute to the efforts to prevent, discover and investigate terrorist offences and other serious crime.

When crossing the border, Non-EU nationals need to provide their travel documents, visa information, fingerprints, and a facial image. In Sweden, a border control officer will help the traveler through this process. Travelers arriving at Arlanda, Bromma, Landvetter, Sturup and Skavsta airport have the opportunity to register in advance using the app “Travel to Europe”. The app will however not replace the border check but is intended to make border crossing more efficient. 

In other countries, the steps may be completed at a self-service station. The system automatically tracks how many days the traveler has spent in the EU and the Schengen area. 

Currently, the system covers:

• 25 EU countries (excluding Ireland and Cyprus). Ireland and Cyprus will continue to stamp passports manually.
• 4 EEA states: Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, and Liechtenstein

Who is Exempt?

The EES does not apply to certain groups. For example:

• Nationals of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
• Nationals of Ireland, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino, as well as holders of passports issued by the Vatican City State.
• Individuals who have right of residence in the EU/Schengen area in their capacity of being family members of persons with the right to free movement, provided that they have a residence permit card that they can show at the border control.
• Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas who can present a residence permit card at the border control.
• Individuals who have a visa for a longer stay in a country in the EU/Schengen area.

Next Steps

Have questions about the EES? Deloitte's immigration professionals are ready to assist. Contact us for personalized guidance.

Martina Ogenhammar 
Partner, Head of Immigration - Global Employer Services mogenhammar@deloitte.se
+46 70 080 21 60

Kaltrina Abazi
Senior manager - Global Employer Services
kabazi@deloitte.se 
+46 70 080 32 62

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+46 75 246 26 001