The European Entry/Exit System (EES) officially began its gradual rollout on October 12, 2025.
The system will be introduced in stages and is expected to be fully operational by April 10, 2026, at all Schengen border crossing points.
Once fully implemented, electronic registration will replace traditional passport stamps for travelers entering and exiting Poland and other Schengen countries.

🇪🇺 What Is the EES?

EES (Entry/Exit System) is an automated EU information system designed to record the entry and exit of third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/CH citizens) visiting the Schengen Area for short stays.
It replaces manual passport stamping with digital biometric registration, improving border control and travel data accuracy.

The system automatically logs:

• Entry and exit dates

• Locations of crossing

• Refusals of entry

• Biometric data (facial image and fingerprints)

👥 Who Does It Apply To?

✅ Registered in EES:
All third-country nationals entering Schengen countries for short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period).
This includes travelers with Schengen visas and those entering visa-free.

❌ Not registered in EES:

• Holders of national long-term visas (D visa)

• Holders of temporary or permanent residence permits (karta pobytu)
  These individuals are exempt from EES registration.
  Always show your documents at border control — special exceptions also apply to diplomats and certain other groups.

📊 What Data Does EES Collect?

Stored information includes:

• Passport data (name, surname, date of birth, document number)

• Entry/exit date and location

• Facial photo and fingerprints

• Any record of entry refusal

Retention periods:

• Regular entry/exit/refusal data: 3 years

• If exit is not recorded: data may be stored for up to 5 years from the end of the permitted stay.

🛃 What Will the Border Process Look Like?

On your first entry, the border officer or a self-service kiosk will:

• Scan your passport

• Take your facial photo

• Collect your fingerprints

Your biometric and travel data will be securely stored in the EES database, allowing for faster verification during future trips.

During the transition period, some border posts may still stamp passports, but stamps will be phased out once EES becomes fully operational.

🧳 Practical Travel Checklist

Before crossing the border under EES:
✅ Make sure your passport is biometric (e-passport).
✅ If you have a karta pobytu or D visa, always show it — it exempts you from EES.
✅ Track your 90/180-day limit — take a screenshot from an official calculator.
✅ Do not refuse biometrics — refusal may lead to entry denial.
✅ Plan extra time for border checks — expect delays during early rollout.

🔎 How to Check Your Remaining 90/180 Days

After full implementation, travelers will be able to check their remaining stay days through:

• Official EES online calculators

• Kiosks at border checkpoints

Remember: results are for reference — the final decision always belongs to border guards.

🚨 If You Exceed the Allowed Stay

If the system shows an overstay:
1️⃣ Stay calm and speak to border authorities immediately.
2️⃣ If caused by illness, accident, or travel restrictions, collect proof (medical reports, tickets, etc.).
3️⃣ You can appeal the entry in the EES record — keep all evidence and seek legal advice if needed.

💼 Tips for Workers and Frequent Travelers

• If you have dual citizenship (one EU), always travel using your EU passport — it simplifies crossing.

• If you received a karta pobytu after entering Poland, but were previously recorded in EES, keep related documents and show them to border officials.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can EES cause a travel ban?
➡️ Yes. If serious violations (like overstays) are detected, EES may trigger a temporary or permanent travel restriction — each case is reviewed individually.

Will EES replace visas or residence cards?
➡️ No. EES only records short-term visits. Long-term visas (D) and residence permits remain separate.

What happens if I refuse to provide biometrics?
➡️ Entry will likely be denied. Contact your consulate if you have valid reasons (e.g., medical exemptions).

🧭 Conclusion

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a major step toward enhanced EU border security and streamlined travel.
For foreigners in Poland, this means:

✔ Have a valid biometric passport
✔ Respect the 90/180 rule
✔ Keep your visa or residence card ready
✔ Provide biometric data when asked
✔ Plan your travel in advance and use official tools