The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated system that registers travellers from outside the European Union. This happens every time you cross the external border of Europe. In the Netherlands, the EES means you will no longer receive a stamp in your passport; your journey is now recorded digitally. This makes border control more secure.

How does it work?

When you cross the border, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee registers your passport details, a facial image, and your fingerprints. This information is stored securely in a digital file.

The process begins at a self-service kiosk. These kiosks are only available at specific border crossing points, such as Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. At locations without kiosks, a Marechaussee officer will perform the registration manually at a border booth.

4 steps at the self-service kiosk (where available)

If a kiosk is available at your location, you must register before proceeding to border control. Follow the instructions on the screen:

Step 1: Scan your passport. Remove your passport from its cover and place the photo page on the scanner.

Step 2: Take a facial image. Look directly into the kiosk's camera for the facial image. Remove your glasses or hat so your face is clearly visible.

Step 3: Provide your fingerprints. Place your fingers on the glass plate for the digital fingerprint scan.

Step 4: Follow the route to control. The system indicates whether you may proceed to the automated eGate or must go to a staffed border booth for a check by a Marechaussee officer.

Where to go for border control

Travelling via Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Schiphol is the only location in the Netherlands where certain non-EU travellers can use automated eGates for the EES process.

  • Upon arrival: Follow the signs for "Non-EU passports" to the EES self-service kiosks. Once registered, you will be directed to either an eGate or a manned border booth. If you have already registered during a previous visit, you can go directly to the eGate.

  • Upon departure: You can go directly to the eGate. The system verifies your departure automatically. You do not need to visit a kiosk or a manned booth.

Travelling via other airports, seaports, or train stations

At all other border points (such as Rotterdam The Hague Airport, ferry terminals, or international train stations), there are no eGates.

  • Arrival and departure: You must always visit a manned border booth. A Marechaussee officer will scan your passport and verify your digital EES record. While some locations have kiosks to help you enter your data, an officer must always perform the final check at the booth.

Age requirements

Your age determines how you use the system:

  • Under 12 years old: you cannot use self-service kiosks or eGates. You must always go to a manned border booth for assistance from an officer.

  • 12 and 13 years old: you can use the self-service kiosks to enter your data, but you cannot use eGates. You must always complete your check at a manned border booth.

  • 14 years and older: you are eligible to use both the self-service kiosks and the eGates (only at Schiphol).

Which non-EU travellers can use the eGates at Schiphol?

If you are 14 years or older and have a passport with a chip, you can use the eGates at Schiphol if you have the nationality of one of the following countries:

  • Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, or the United States.

Who is exempt from the EES?

The Entry/Exit System does not apply to the following groups:

  • Citizens of the European Union (EU): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

  • Citizens of Schengen countries (non-EU): Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

  • Long-term residents: travellers with a valid residence permit or a long-stay visa are not registered in the EES.

If you belong to one of these groups, your border crossing process remains unchanged. You continue to use the border controls (including eGates for EU/Schengen citizens) as usual.

Your privacy

The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee collects and stores travellers' data securely. This is done in accordance with the strict privacy rules of the European Union. Would you like to know more about these rules and your rights? Please visit the EU website. The privacy statement of the Marechaussee explains exactly how we use your data for the EES.