The EU’s New Entry/Exit System (EES): Key Information for Travellers to Hungary
On 12 October 2025 the European Union began introducing an automated border control system for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area for short-term stays. The system, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), has been fully operational since 10 April 2026 at all Schengen external border crossing points. It replaces the stamping of passports with a digital record of each entry and exit.
Implementation timeline — and where it stands now
The EES was rolled out in phases across the 29 participating Schengen states, beginning on 12 October 2025. At Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, deployment started on 18 November 2025.
The progressive rollout ended on 10 April 2026, when the European Commission declared the system fully operational. By that date it had registered more than 52 million entries and exits. In practice this means that anyone crossing a Schengen external border today is registered in the EES — the transition period is over.
Source: European Commission — Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational
Who needs to use the EES?
The system applies to:
– Third-country nationals travelling to any EES country
– For short stays not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period
The EES does not introduce new steps for travellers who enjoy freedom of movement within the European Union (e.g., EU/EEA/Swiss citizens).
Practical information for passengers at Budapest Airport
Departing passengers are advised to allow extra time for border control.
At Budapest Airport:
– The gate zone for outbound flights may appear on the display screens earlier than usual to reduce queues
– Travellers should proceed to the indicated zone as soon as it becomes visible.
– Gates for non-Schengen flights are located beyond the border control area, so following signage is essential.
What to expect during border control
Document verification
Both arriving and departing non-EU travellers must present their travel documents at the border control booths.
Preparing required documents in advance — such as passport, boarding pass, and residence permit (if applicable) — helps speed up the process.
Biometric registration
As part of the EES procedure, travellers provide biometric data. This includes:
– a facial image, and
– fingerprints
Once these steps are completed and verified, passengers can proceed and continue their journey through the airport in the usual way.
This article provides a professional summary of information published by Budapest Airport and the European Commission. Original information available at: Budapest Airport – European Entry/Exit System (EES) Information (bud.hu)
(For more information: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/pub)
Published 21 November 2025 · Updated September 2026 — Blue Bishop Relocation