Entry/Exit System (EES) in Poland from October 12, 2025
Starting October 12, 2025, Poland, together with more than twenty other Schengen countries, will begin the gradual implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) — a common EU-wide register of entries and exits for non-EU nationals.
The goal of EES is to modernize border control, enhance the security of the EU’s external borders, and shorten waiting times at checkpoints by replacing passport stamps with a digital record.
How the EES will work – key rules
Below are the most important details on how the EES will function in practice.
Who will it apply to?
The system will apply to citizens of non-EU and non-Schengen countries entering the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days).
Persons holding a long-term residence permit in the EU, a Polish residence card, or other documents authorizing permanent or legal residence will likely be exempt from EES registration.
Children under 12 years old may be exempt from fingerprint registration; however, their facial image (photo) may still be required.
What data will be recorded?
During border checks, the system will collect:
- personal data (e.g. name, surname, date of birth),
- biometric data: fingerprints and facial image (with exceptions for certain groups),
- dates and places of entry and exit,
- any refusals of entry, if they occur.
Once the system is fully operational, passport stamps will be abolished — border control will be conducted electronically.
How will the implementation process look?
The rollout will be phased, lasting approximately six months.
During this 180-day transition period:
- Member states may continue using passport stamps while introducing EES registration,
- After this time, all external border checkpoints must be fully ready to operate the system.
This gradual approach aims to minimize technical and logistical issues, especially in countries that are less prepared for an immediate start.
What are the benefits of EES?
Efficiency and speed
Digital registration of entry/exit will significantly reduce waiting times — especially for frequent travelers, since the system recognizes previously stored biometric data.
Better monitoring of legal stays
EES will allow precise tracking of the stay duration of third-country nationals and help detect overstays beyond the 90-day limit.
Enhanced cooperation among Schengen states
The register will be available to Schengen countries in real time (for security purposes), facilitating the exchange of border control information.
Security and fraud prevention
Thanks to biometric verification and electronic records, using forged documents or abusing the system will become much more difficult.
Challenges and risks
Delays and queues at borders
At the beginning of the rollout, travelers may experience longer waiting times and technical adjustments at border crossings.
Technical and logistical costs
The system requires modern IT infrastructure, biometric data collection devices, integration with databases, and staff adaptation.
Privacy and data protection concerns
The storage of biometric and travel data carries certain risks, although the EU’s GDPR will apply.
Adapting border staff and procedures
Border guards and systems must adjust to the new procedures, which will require training and organizational changes.
Transition period
During the first months, both old (stamps) and new (EES) procedures may coexist, which could increase complexity.
What does EES mean for foreigners staying or traveling to Poland?
For individuals traveling to Poland (for tourism, business, or short-term visits), EES means they must be prepared for biometric registration upon both entry and exit.
If your residence situation involves applying for a residence permit or other forms of legalization, the EES will not replace these procedures, but it will become an important part of monitoring entries and exits.
For foreigners who already hold residence permits or other long-term documents, EES may not apply, or certain exemptions may exist. It’s best to verify your specific case under Polish immigration law.
Poland has already begun legislative preparations to ensure participation in the EES and adapt its laws to EU requirements.
EES – a step toward digital border control or a new challenge?
EES is undoubtedly a step toward a more advanced and automated border control system across the EU. It enables more precise monitoring of travel movements, helps prevent overstays, and simplifies administrative processes.
However, its effective implementation will depend on several factors: the technological readiness of each country, the adaptation of border services, data protection standards, and efficient management during the transition period. For individuals using legalization or immigration services — such as Migration Matters clients — it is essential to understand how EES will affect travel planning, documentation, and residence procedures.