As of April 10, 2023, the European Union has fully implemented the Entry-Exit System (EES), an electronic framework designed to monitor the entry and exit of third-country nationals, including Ukrainians.
The EES aims to enhance security, streamline border procedures, and reduce waiting times for travelers. The system records all entries and exits at the EU’s external borders for short-term visits, defined as stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
For Ukrainian citizens, this means that their trips to Schengen Area countries will no longer be documented with passport stamps but rather stored in an electronic database. However, the EES does not apply to Ukrainians holding residence permits or long-term visas in EU countries, including students enrolled in universities there.
The EES encompasses all EU member states, with the exception of Ireland and Cyprus, as well as non-EU countries such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Operational Details at Border Crossings
Upon first entry into the EU, travelers will have their passports scanned, facial photographs taken, and fingerprints collected. This information will be stored in the system and utilized for subsequent trips.
Future border crossings may be expedited due to the pre-existing data in the system, and travelers may eventually use automated self-service kiosks for part of the process.
The EES records:
- Personal details from the passport (name, date of birth, etc.);
- Date and location of entry and exit;
- Facial photograph;
- Fingerprints;
- Information regarding any entry refusals.
This data is stored in a centralized database accessible to border officials and law enforcement agencies.
The introduction of this system is part of broader efforts to combat illegal migration, detect forged documents, and ensure compliance with the 90-day rule. Essentially, it allows authorities to maintain a comprehensive travel history for each traveler.
Key Changes for Ukrainian Travelers
- No more passport stamps;
- Mandatory biometric data collection;
- Stricter monitoring of stay durations;
- Border checks may be quicker or longer, particularly in the initial phase.
In the early months of operation, delays at borders may occur as the system is integrated. Travelers who fail to provide biometric data will be denied entry into the EU.
If a third-country national exceeds the permitted 90-day stay, the system will automatically record this and add the individual to a list of violators. Potential repercussions include fines, deportation, detention, and entry bans. In cases of legitimate reasons for overstaying, such as illness, documentation may be submitted for reconsideration.
Initial Entry Refusals
The EES was gradually implemented starting in October 2025. During this period, border officials have reportedly denied entry to approximately 27,000 third-country nationals. According to the European Commission, 700 individuals from this group have been identified as potential security threats. From October 2025 to April 2026, over 52 million border crossings were recorded.
Travel Considerations
Before traveling, it is advisable to:
- Check how many days have already been spent in the Schengen Area or EU countries;
- Carry documents that verify the purpose of the trip;
- Be prepared for biometric data collection;
- Avoid overstaying the permitted duration.
Shortly, the EES will serve as a foundation for the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will also require registration from travelers, including Ukrainians.
The EU's new Entry-Exit System, effective April 10, 2023, replaces passport stamps with an electronic tracking system for third-country nationals, including Ukrainians. This initiative aims to enhance security and streamline border processes, while also imposing stricter monitoring on travel durations.