If you are planning travel, visit relatives or short business trip in Europe, an important change in the border control process should be noted: The Entry/Exit System (EES) – the European Entry/Exit System – is now fully operational.
EES is not a new type of visa nor a replacement for Schengen visas. It is electronic system used to record the entry and exit of non-EU citizens subject to short-term stay in the countries where the system is applied.
When did EES officially apply?
EES is implemented in stages from October 12th, 2025, instead of applying at the same time from the beginning.
After the transition phase, from 10/04/2026, EES system has been full operation at external border gates of 29 countries participating in the system.
So at the present time – September 2026 – EES has been part of the border control processIt's not a new regulation that starts in September 2026.
What is EES?
EES (Entry/Exit System) is an electronic system that helps border authorities record and manage information of non-EU citizens on entry and exit during short-term trips.
Instead of relying mainly on passport stamps, the system can record:
- Passport information and travel documents;
- Date and place of entry and exit;
- Information on refusal of entry, if any;
- Face images and fingerprints according to the applicable procedure at the border gate.
EES's goals are to modernize border controls, increase security, and assist authorities in determining the length of stay of international visitors.
Who is covered by EES?
EES mainly applies to citizens of non-EU countries making short trips to countries using the system.
This means that if you are a Vietnamese citizen and travelling to Europe for tourism, family visits or short-term business within the scope of the application, you can be recorded information in the EES system when checking in at the border gate.
However, not all non-EU citizens are covered by EES. Some cases are exempted from EES registration, such as those with residence permits or long-term visas that are exempted under regulations.
Therefore, it is necessary to consider the status of the visa and the specific residence documents of each case.
29 countries are adopting EES
EES is used at 29 European countries, including 25 participating EU countries and 4 Schengen-affiliated countries:
🇮🇸 Iceland
🇱🇮 Liechtenstein
🇳🇴 Na Uy
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Ireland and Cyprus do not use EESTherefore, the control process in these two countries has differences.
What's different about European entry?
One of the most visible changes is that Biometric data collection.
Depending on the case and process at each border gate, passengers may be required to provide face images and fingerprints to register or verify information in the system.
After that, entries and exits within EES will be recorded electronically.
This helps border authorities control the length of stay more accurately and assists in detecting cases of overstay.
Does the 90/180 day rule change?
No.
EES does not create a new 90/180 day rule.
For persons subject to the application of regulations on short - term stay, the basic principle is still no more than 90 days within any 180 day period, depending on visa conditions and entry.
The difference is EES helps to record the entry and exit date is done by electronic system, thereby supporting the authorities to monitor the stay time.
Therefore, European travelers should still actively check their entry and exit history and calculate the number of days of stay before the trip.
What should visitors prepare?
For a more convenient entry process, visitors should:
1. Double check your passport and visa
Make sure your passport is valid and the information on your visa is correct before departure.
2. Prepare all trip documents
Depending on the purpose of the trip, airfare, accommodation information, travel insurance, schedule, and documents proving the purpose of the trip should be available when necessary.
3. Proactive time at the airport/border gate
Border control procedures can take additional time due to the collection and verification of biometric data, especially at times of heavy passenger traffic.
4. Stay monitoring
Do not rely solely on memory or passport stamps. Actively calculate the number of days spent in the area where the 90/180-day rule applies.
5. Check the regulations before the trip
The actual process may vary depending on the port of entry, visa status, and the type of documents the passenger is using.
Is EES a new visa?
No.
EES is just... Immigration management systemIt's not a visa.
If you need a Schengen visa, you still have to apply for it in accordance with the regulations. The fact that EES is applied does not mean that the Schengen visa is replaced.
Similarly, EES also does not mean that every passenger has to carry out a new entry procedure before the trip.
Conclusion
The fact that EES is fully operational marks a move from traditional border control to Entry and exit management using electronic data and biometrics.
For Vietnamese tourists, the most important thing is not to worry about a “new visa regulation”, but properly understand EES, prepare a complete dossier and pay special attention to the length of stay when traveling to Europe.
If you are preparing a profile Schengen visa, travel, visit relatives or business Europe, updating your immigration policy before your trip will help you be more proactive and limit unnecessary incursions at the border.
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