Entry/Exit System (EES) | Royal Netherlands Marechaussee

The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee is currently implementing the European Entry/Exit System (EES) at the Dutch external borders. This new digital system, which is being introduced in 29 European countries, will eventually replace manual passport stamping. The roll-out began on 12 October 2025 at Dutch airports and seaports and is taking place in phases.

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES is an automated registration system for travellers from outside the European Union (EU) who are visiting the Schengen Area for a short stay of up to 90 days. For travellers with the nationality of an EU country, the procedure at the border remains unchanged.

The system digitally records your identity by linking your travel document data to a facial image and fingerprints. It also registers the exact date and location of every entry and exit. This provides a more accurate and efficient way of monitoring the 90-day maximum stay period within any 180-day window.

Your journey during the transition period

The introduction of the EES in the Netherlands is gradual, meaning the procedure may vary depending on your point of entry or exit. To ensure a consistent record of your stay while the system is being finalised, the Marechaussee will continue to stamp passports at all border posts until 9 April 2026.

From 10 April 2026, the system is scheduled to be fully operational everywhere, and manual stamps will no longer be required. You can find the specific schedule for each Dutch border post on the Government of the Netherlands website.

The following countries are implementing the EES: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

In Cyprus and Ireland, passports will continue to be stamped manually.

The EES does not apply to the following groups of travellers:

Citizens of the European countries using the EES, as well as citizens of Cyprus and Ireland.
Non-EU citizens with a residence card who are direct family members of an EU citizen.
Non-EU citizens with a residence card or permit who are direct family members of a non-EU citizen who is entitled to travel freely like an EU citizen.
Non-EU citizens travelling to Europe for work (as part of an intra-corporate transfer), research, study, training, voluntary service, school exchange schemes, educational projects, or as an au pair.
Holders of residence permits or long-stay visas.
Citizens of Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino, and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City.
Persons exempt from border checks, such as heads of state and cross-border workers.
Holders of a valid local border traffic permit.
Crew members on international passenger and freight trains.

Visit the EU website for a complete list of exemptions.

Privacy

The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee is committed to protecting your personal data. All processing of personal and biometric information within the EES is conducted in accordance with strict European privacy regulations. For a detailed description of how your data is processed, stored, and protected, please refer to our privacy statement.

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

Your journey during the transition period

Countries using the EES

Who is exempt from the EES?

Privacy