TORONTO — Europe’s EES (Entry/Exit System), which covers entries and exits for the 29 European countries in the Schengen Area, is now in full operation.
EES uses digital collection for personal data from nationals of third countries — including Canada — whether or not they require a visa. It will apply to travellers staying up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
In practical terms, the EES replaces the stamping of passports and electronically monitor the entries, exits and lengths of stay of non-EU nationals crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area. The system also helps track overstays and entry refusals.
The phased six month roll-out for the new system began in October 2025.
Over the past 180 days border agents continued to stamp passports while also digitally recording entries and exits.
Now that the transition period is over, starting today, April 10, 2026, only the digital system will be used.
THE EES IS NOT THE ETIAS
Do travellers need to do anything about the EES, in practical terms? No. At this time, no action is required from travellers.
The EES should not be confused with the European Travel Information & Authorization System (ETIAS). The ETIAS will require qualifying travellers from some 60 visa-exempt countries, including Canada, to apply for an entry permit in advance of their trip, and pay 7 EUR. It will be valid for three years.
The ETIAS won’t launch until at least six months after the EES is up and running, and is currently pegged to start possibly in Q4 2026.
WHAT DATA IS COLLECTED WITH EES?
The personal data that the EES records includes …
- Date of entry and exit
- Time of entry and exit
- Place of entry and exit
- Traveller’s full name
- Passport number
- Photograph of the traveller
- Fingerprints of the traveller
VISA QUESTIONS
Canadians can travel to Schengen countries without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If they leave and return to the Schengen Area within the same 180-day window, their previous stay counts toward the 90-day limit.
This 90-day rule will remain in effect when the EES is introduced. The system will automatically detect overstays, which may lead to fines, deportation, or future entry bans. Some countries allow Canadians to stay beyond the 90-day limit under specific conditions.
OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
European countries not part of the Schengen Area have their own border rules: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Ireland, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia and Ukraine. To learn more about travel rules for these countries, refer to Global Affairs Canada’s Travel Advisories by Destination.
In 2025 the UK implemented its own system, known as Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
For full details about the EES, visit the European Commission’s dedicated page or click here.
