EES Formalities (Entry/Exit System)

All information about the registration system for third-country nationals crossing an external border of a Schengen Area country.

What is the EES?

The EES is an automated electronic system established by the European Union (EU) to register third-country nationals making a short stay in Schengen Area countries.

Does the Entry/Exit System (EES) apply to you?

How can you know if you are required to register in the digital Entry/Exit System when crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area?

It is very simple:

  • ✔ You are a third-country national, meaning you do not hold the nationality of any European Union country, nor that of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland (1).
  • ✔ You are crossing an external border of a Schengen Area country (2) for a short stay (maximum duration of 90 days within any 180-day period).
  • ✔ You are over 12 years old.

👉 In that case, you are required to register in the EES system.

 

 

(1) Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are part of the Schengen Area but are not members of the European Union.
(2) Although they are EU members, Cyprus and Ireland are not part of the Schengen Area.

A 2-step procedure

If you hold a biometric passport, you will be invited to use the self-service Entry/Exit System (EES) when departing from or arriving at Nantes Atlantique Airport.

Discover the 2 steps of this registration procedure.

Step 1: Register at the self-service kiosks

The following documents must be presented at the kiosk:

 

  • your travel documents (passport, visa...)
  • your biometric data (facial image and fingerprints).

 

Self-service kiosks are available before border control checks, both at departure and upon arrival.

Step 2: Report to the border control booths for verification.

A border guard checks the information entered into the self-service system and then either authorizes or denies your entry.

This decision will be recorder in the system.

Now, it's time to enjoy your trip. 

Have a great flight!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where are the EES self-service kiosks located at Nantes Atlantique Airport?

The EES self-service kiosks are located before the Police control checkpoints:

  • Departures: They are located in the direction of gates 21 to 38.
  • Arrivals: They are located between the aircraft exit and the Arrivals area.
When will the EES system go live?

The EES system is scheduled to launch on October 12, 2025.
Travelers will not need to complete any formalities in advance. They will simply need to present their travel documents (passport and, if applicable, a valid visa). The process will take place directly at the border, where biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) will be collected during the first crossing.

How can I know if the country I’m traveling to or coming from is part of the Schengen Area?

With the exception of Cyprus and Ireland, the European Union countries are part of the Schengen Area:
Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland.

 

Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are part of the Schengen Area but are not members of the EU

Which website can I visit to learn more?

You can visit:

How can I know if my trip is considered a short stay?

A short stay corresponds to a maximum duration of 90 days within any 180-day period.
This period is treated as a single timeframe that includes the total duration of stays in all European countries using the EES system.

More information here : https://travel-europe.europa.eu/fr/ees/what-is-the-ees##