More than 4,000 travelers have been flagged for overstaying the permitted 90-day limit under the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), according to Henrik Nielsen, Director for Schengen, borders and visa at the European Commission. The system, launched on October 12, 2025, has registered 17 million travelers and 30 million border crossings to date.
Nielsen revealed the figures Monday during a session of the European Parliament’s home affairs committee, adding that a total of 16,000 entries have been refused. Beyond overstays, refusals stemmed from identity fraud, attempts to enter or exit using multiple passports, and the detection of one human trafficking victim.
The EES is being rolled out in phases, with a target of registering 35 percent of all border crossings currently. That figure is slated to increase to 50 percent by March 10th, and reach full operation – 100 percent registration – by April. At that point, the physical stamping of passports will cease, and an online tool will become available allowing travelers to check their remaining allowance within the 90-day/180-day window.
Three member states are currently failing to meet the 35 percent registration target due to “technical issues at national level,” Nielsen disclosed. Problems similarly exist with the quality of biometric registration equipment at some border crossing points, with some installations “not always up to standard or functioning properly.”
Long waiting times, particularly during peak travel periods, are also under scrutiny. Nielsen suggested increasing the number of self-service kiosks and automated gates as a potential solution, noting that such investments are eligible for EU funding.
Airlines and airport organizations recently called for a review of the EES implementation timeline ahead of the summer travel season, but the Commission has, for now, dismissed those calls. Nielsen stated the Commission “has no plans to propose any changes or extensions of the flexibility” currently afforded to member states.
After April, Schengen countries will have a three-month transition period during which they can opt not to collect biometric data to alleviate congestion. This exception could potentially be extended to September, Nielsen added, providing a buffer for managing summer travel peaks.
The EES applies to external borders within the Schengen Area – encompassing the EU nations (excluding Cyprus and Ireland), as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. It does not affect travel within the Schengen zone itself, but impacts crossings such as those between France and the UK, or the United States and Germany.
EU citizens are unaffected by the system. However, non-EU nationals are required to register personal data and provide biometric information – fingerprints and a facial scan – upon their first entry. This data is stored in a centralized EU database, tracking each entry and exit. Non-EU/Schengen citizens residing within the EU or Schengen area are exempt, needing only to present their passport and residency permit.
Tillmann Keber, Executive Director of eu-LISA, the EU agency responsible for the EES IT system, described the initial rollout as “very smooth and successful at central level,” stating the system is now “fully stabilised” and operating normally.
The EES is designed to more effectively enforce the 90/180-day rule, which allows citizens of countries including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to visit the Schengen Area without a visa. Previously, enforcement relied on inconsistent passport stamping. The EES automatically calculates length of stay, instantly flagging potential overstays upon subsequent border crossings. Penalties for overstaying can include fines and a ban from future entry.
In early February, drivers from the Western Balkans protested at Schengen border crossings, arguing stricter enforcement of the 90/180-day rule would hinder their ability to work in the EU. Transport and logistics organizations in the UK also urged the Commission to suspend penalties linked to the rule, warning of potential driver shortages and supply chain disruptions. Nielsen indicated that member states are currently resistant to altering the core 90/180-day rule.
