The Netherlands together with other Schengen open border countries will start introducing the new EU digital border system from October 12 as part of a gradual implementation that will be completed in spring next year.

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is an IT system that will record the data of short-term non-EU visitors each time they cross the external Schengen borders. At the first entry, it will require travellers to register their document, travel dates and biometric data (photo and fingerprints).

The data will be stored in the system for three years (or for the duration of the passport if it comes sooner), which will renew automatically at each external border crossing.

The EES will replace the stamping of passports and will digitally verify that people do not exceed the maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period permitted for short visits.

The system was conceived to strengthen border control while making checks faster over time.

The EES has been in preparation for years, but was delayed several times due to difficulties with the central IT system, which will gather information from all border posts. This year it was decided at the EU level that its introduction will be gradual to minimise possible disruptions, so not all border posts in Europe will go live at the same time.

The Dutch justice ministry says the Netherlands has also opted for a phased introduction, so not all travellers will be registered immediately at all Dutch border crossings and not all data will be recorded from the start.

The Dutch government plans the introduction at “smaller border posts in order to implement the system in a controlled manner and limit any disruptions,” the briefing says.

“The maritime posts will be followed by other border posts and smaller airports”, the ministry added. Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport will begin with a “small-scale launch” on November 3rd, and a gradual expansion from the beginning of December.

The first EES checks at the Amsterdam and Rotterdam UK terminals are expected in early 2026, a Eurostar spokesperson said. For people travelling by train from London St. Pancras, checks will take place in London, where 49 self-registration kiosks will be available.

Passports

In line with other Schengen countries, the full implementation of the EES at all Dutch border posts is planned by 10 April 2026. “In the meantime, passport stamping will remain in force,” the ministry said.

Many people will be exempted from the EES registration. These include EU citizens, holders of residence permits and long-stay visas, non-EU citizens who have a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national or to a non-EU national who can travel in Europe like an EU citizen.

Non-EU nationals travelling to Europe as part of an intra-corporate transfer or for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au-pairing, and people exempt from border checks such as cross-border workers will also not have to comply.

Further information is available here.