Every year millions of travellers cross the external borders of the Schengen States. Some of the visitors have a short-stay visa, while others come from countries where no visas are required. This requires modern, effective and efficient management of the external borders which strikes a balance between facilitation for travellers and internal security.
There are several pieces of legislation, which regulate Schengen border crossings. In addition to these, the Entry/Exit System (EES) Regulation and the related amendment of the Schengen Borders Code as regards the use of the EES were adopted in 2017. Furthermore, in 2018, the legislation to establish a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) was adopted.
On 4 December 2024, the Commission proposed to introduce a progressive start of operations for the Entry/Exit System (EES). On 19 May 2025, the European Parliament and the Council reached an agreement. The Regulation (EU) 2025/1534 on temporary derogations from certain provisions of Regulations (EU) 2017/2226 and (EU) 2016/399 as regards the progressive start of operations of the Entry/Exit System was adopted on 18 July and entered into force on 26 July 2025.
System for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in 29 European countries
Travel authorisation for non-EU nationals from 59 visa-exempt countries travelling to 30 European countries
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The EES helps border officers and law enforcement authorities to spot security risks and support the fight against serious crimes and terrorism. One of the examples is the case from February 2026, when the system was able to reveal the man who wasn’t who he claimed to be.
While the EES will record millions of non-EU travellers, certain categories are not recorded in the system. Border checks for travellers from these categories remain as usual – they need to show the ID or passport together with their long stay visa or residence permit. Check who is exempt.
The Commission published its fifth State of the Schengen report on 18 May, reviewing developments in the Schengen area over the past year and setting priorities for the year ahead. The Schengen area continues to demonstrate resilience, underpinned by collective efforts at both EU and national level.