The Entry/Exit System, or EES, is a new digital system that registers non-EU nationals travelling for short stays. It was introduced by the European Union (EU) in October 2025, and in effect as of April 10, 2026.

The new EES uses biometrics and other personal information to screen visitors. Biometrics refers to fingerprinting and photos of the face.

Who does the EES apply to?

The EES registers non-EU nationals, including Canadians, travelling for short stays of up-to 90 days in any 180-day period to a European country using the EES (29 Schengen Member countries, and four associated non-EU). It applies at all airports, seaports, and land border crossings in these countries.

According to the European Union, non-EU national means “a traveller not holding the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.”  EES applies to you if you either

• possess a short-stay visa to travel to the European countries using the EES, OR
• do not need a visa to stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period

You can find a full list and contact information for the European countries using the EES here.

Who does the EES not apply to?

The EES does not apply to several groups of individuals, including:

• Nationals of the European countries using the EES, as well as Cyprus and Ireland
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national.
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card or a residence permit and are immediately related to a non-EU national who can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen.
• Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas.

Visit the European Union website for a full list of who the EES does not apply to.

Biometrics – fingerprints and face photo required

The first time you arrive at a Schengen country border with your Canadian passport, you will be asked for personal information, and Passport Control officers will take a photo of your face and/or scan your fingerprints. This is known as your biometric data. This information will be recorded in a digital file. Children under 12 do not need to provide fingerprints, only a photo.

Other personal information collected

Along with your biometric data, your personal information collected will include:

• data listed in your travel document(s) (e.g. full name, date of birth, etc.)
• date and place of each entry and exit
• whether you were refused entry.

Once your travel document data and other personal data is collected, including your entry and exit dates, it will be registered electronically in the system. Your information will be reviewed, and the officer may ask further questions before deciding whether to grant or refuse access to the country. The Government of Canada cannot intervene if you do not meet the entry or exit requirements of your destination.

The EES will also automatically track entries, exits and overstays.

What happens if you refuse to have your fingerprints scanned or a photo of your face taken? 

If you refuse to provide your biometric data, you will be denied entry into the territory of the European countries using the EES.

More information

Refer to the European Union website on the Entry/Exit System (EES) for more information.

Refer to the Government of Canada website for additional information on Travelling to Europe.

								
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