EES Europe: the new biometric system in effect since April 2026

Updated in April 2026. Since April 10, 2026, the EES (Entry/Exit System) has been fully implemented across the Schengen Area. Brazilians traveling to Europe now go through a new biometric procedure upon arrival. Understand what has changed, how it works, and what to consider at the airport.

What is the EES?

The EES (Entry/Exit System) is an initiative by the European Union to replace the manual stamp in the passport with a biometric digital record. The system captures and stores:

• Facial photo
• Fingerprints (4 fingers)
• Entry and exit history
• Passport data

This data is stored for 3 years and the system automatically monitors the limit of 90 days within 180 days.

Since when has it been in effect?

The EES was progressively launched starting from October 12, 2025. Some countries began using it earlier (such as Luxembourg, Finland, and Estonia), while others were added gradually.

On April 10, 2026, the implementation became fully operational in all 29 countries of the Schengen Area.

In the first few days, there were long lines at European airports as travelers adjusted to the new procedure. Arrive early.

How does it work in practice?

Upon arriving at an airport in the Schengen Area, Brazilians must:

1. Look for the EES kiosks — marked in each terminal
2. Scan the passport
3. Take a photo (the machine captures it automatically)
4. Provide fingerprints (4 fingers from the right or left hand)
5. Confirm travel details (destination country, reason, accommodation)
6. Proceed to final control — border guard checks the record

On subsequent trips in the next 3 years, the registration is much faster: just scan the passport and do the facial recognition. Fingerprints are only collected again if the data has expired.

Which countries use the EES?

The 29 countries in the Schengen Area:

• Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Netherlands, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Bytugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland

Cyprus is in a phase of gradual integration. The United Kingdom and Ireland do not participate.

What is the cost of the EES?

None. The EES is free and does not need to be requested before the trip. The entire process is done at the border.

Does this replace the ETIAS?

No. They are different and complementary systems:

• EES: biometric registration at the border, free, mandatory since April 2026.
• ETIAS: prior electronic authorization, €20, expected for Q4/2026 with mandatory implementation in 2027.

See the complete guide on ETIAS 2026.

Practical tips for Brazilians

• Arrive 3 hours early: the procedure may take time the first time. Long lines reported in April 2026.
• Enjoy the scenery: some airports (CDG Paris, FCO Rome) have kiosks in various languages — try using Bytuguese or English.
• Do not take photos of the kiosk: prohibited in border areas.
• Children: those under 12 are exempt from fingerprint collection (only facial photo).
• First entry in life: complete biometric collection is done. On subsequent entries, it is faster.

And leaving Europe?

Upon departure, the EES also registers. Just pass the passport through the reader — the exit is much faster than the entry (generally just facial recognition).

This registration is crucial because the system automatically calculates if you have complied with the limit of 90 days in 180. If you exceed the limit, you will be classified as an "overstayer" and may be denied entry on future trips.

Travel insurance for Europe: mandatory

Regardless of the EES/ETIAS, travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 remains mandatory for entry into the Schengen Area. It may be requested at border control.

See our guide on travel insurance: when it is mandatory and how much it costs.

Internet upon arrival

With the EES in effect, the line may take time — having internet on your phone helps. With a regional eSIM for Europe installed before the flight, you arrive connected, check routes, notify family, and arrange transfers. Plans start at $5.

Source: Official EES Bytal, Panrotas, Itamaraty.