What changed for short trips to the Schengen area
The Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational since 10 April 2026. It is a border-control system for non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay to European countries using EES, including Germany and most Schengen destinations.
EES does not change whether you need a visa, the documents required for a visa application, or the conditions of entry. It changes the way eligible travellers are recorded when crossing an external border.
What travellers may experience at the border
- Border staff may record passport details, entry or exit details, and biometric information such as a facial image and fingerprints.
- Passport stamps are replaced by a digital record of entry and exit.
- Some border points may offer self-service equipment to help with the process.
Who should check this before travelling
This is relevant to non-EU nationals making a short stay, generally up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Some groups are exempt, including many holders of a long-stay visa or residence permit issued by a country operating EES. Your nationality, travel document and residence status matter, so check the official EES information before departure.
Important: EES is not a visa application
Do not look for an EES appointment or submit visa documents through EES. If you need a German short-stay visa from the UAE, use the official application route and prepare the documents for your travel purpose before your appointment. See HEBVIZA’s Germany visa documentation from the UAE guide for document-preparation guidance, then verify the current requirements with the German mission and its authorised provider.