EU Entry/Exit System (EES): What Canadian Travellers Need to Know

The European Union has begun rolling out a new digital border registration system known as the Entry/Exit System (EES). This system officially came into effect on October 12, 2025, and will gradually be introduced across Europe over the next six months.

The EES applies to all non-EU visitors, including Canadians, who are travelling to countries within the Schengen area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).

What changes

Instead of getting your passport manually stamped, your entry and exit will now be recorded digitally when you cross an external Schengen border. Travellers will need to:

  • Scan their passport, and

  • Provide fingerprints and a facial photo (biometric data).

During the transition period, border officers will still stamp passports while also using the new digital system, but by April 2026, the EES will fully replace manual stamping.

Why this matters

The new system is designed to make travel in and out of Europe more secure and efficient, helping border officials:

  • Detect travellers who overstay their permitted time,

  • Prevent identity fraud, and

  • Strengthen overall border management.

What to expect at the border

You don’t need to do anything before your trip — everything will happen when you arrive in Europe.If you have an ePassport, you’ll likely use a self-service kiosk to complete the first step, then proceed to a border control officer for verification. The officer may ask routine questions before granting entry.

Your biometric data will be stored securely for three years, so if you return to the Schengen area within that time, you won’t need to provide it again.

For the latest updates, you can also check the European Union’s Info Page about the EES.