The Entry/Exit System
Implementation of the European Entry/Exit System at Schiphol
Since 10 April 2026, the Entry/Exit System (EES) has been in force across Europe. All Schengen countries now use this digital entry and exit system, which replaces passport stamping throughout Europe.
The EES changes the border process for travellers holding a non‑EU passport (third‑country nationals). When travelling to the Schengen area for a short stay, they are digitally registered in the central EES database upon arrival. This registration always includes passport details and the date of entry and exit, and increasingly also a facial scan and fingerprints. This registration is valid for 3 years. The aim is to improve the management of the EU’s external borders.
Registering in the EES takes additional time during an already busy border process. To keep passenger flows as smooth as possible, the Dutch authorities and Schiphol have introduced a range of measures. Schiphol has installed 161 registration kiosks and has deployed a large number of additional Passenger Assistants to support travellers.
To ensure a smooth flow, the government and Schiphol have implemented various measures. Schiphol has installed 161 self-service border kiosks at arrival filters and at several upstream locations. Additional Royal Netherlands Marechaussee counters have been set up and the waiting areas have been redesigned. Furthermore, the wayfinding system has been updated, a large number of additional Passenger Assistants have been deployed, and tools for monitoring and flow balancing are in place. In addition, Visa Exempt Low Risk passengers are permitted to use the eGates.
