Entry-exit system: final adoption by the Council

On 20 November 2017 the Council adopted the regulation for an entry-exit system and the regulation amending the Schengen border code in relation to the entry-exit system.

"Strong control of our external borders is essential for the well functioning of the Schengen area. The entry-exit system will contribute to improving external border controls, better identify overstayers and strengthen the fight against terrorism."

Andres Anvelt, minister of the interior of Estonia

This system will register entry, exit and refusal of entry information of third country nationals crossing the external borders of the Schengen area.

The entry-exit system will help:

• reduce border check delays and improve the quality of border checks by automatically calculating the authorised stay of each traveller
• ensure systematic and reliable identification of overstayers
• strengthen internal security and the fight against terrorism by allowing law enforcement authorities access to travel history records

Next steps

The Council and the European Parliament now need to sign the adopted regulation. The signed text will be published in the EU Official Journal and will enter into force 20 days later. eu-LISA, together with the member states, is expected to start building the new system, which should  be operational by 2020.

• Regulation establishing an Entry/Exit System (EES)
• Regulation amending the Schengen Borders Code as regards the Entry/Exit System (EES)
• Entry-exit system: Council confirms agreement between Presidency and European Parliament on main political provisions (press release, 30/06/2017)

Visit the meeting page