The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an IT-system by which the EU aims to improve management of its external borders and to strengthen its internal security.

EES is a database into which border crossings of non-EU nationals are registered (with a few exceptions). Information on possible refused entries into the territory of EU Member States is also registered. During border control information on the person’s identity, travel documents, as well as their biometric data (four fingerprints and facial image) are registered into EES. This information is used for verifying the person's identity on following border crossings. EES will not affect EU nationals.

EES will improve the quality and efficiency of border checks. Travel documents will no longer be stamped, since an individual’s legal stay can reliably be calculated and their travel history verified using information registered in EES. Biometric identifiers are used in order to precisely verify identity, as well as to ensure that non-EU nationals have not already been registered under a different identity or a different travel document. With EES, the automated border checks previously only used for EU-nationals, can also be utilised in non-EU nationals’ border checks.

In the future, EU’s border, immigration and visa authorities will receive even more reliable information on those arriving to and staying in the territory of the Member States. EES will improve the control of illegal migration by supporting authorities in monitoring the compliance with the regulations concerning entry and stay. In order to strengthen EU’s internal security, also law enforcement authorities have, on well-defined conditions, access to the information registered in the EES, in order to deter, detect and investigate terrorist offences or other serious offences.

Essential information for travellers

  • We recommend that all non-EU nationals planning to travel to Finland familiarize themselves with the new system on the official EES-website.
  • Information and instructions for border control at Helsinki Airport can be found here.
  • Information and instructions for border control at Lapland airports during the winter travel season can be found here.
Implementation of the Entry/Exit Sytem does not affect the border control of Finnish or other EU nationals.