EES at Brussels Airport: digital registration for non-EU nationals
Are you a non-EU national entering or leaving Europe via Brussels Airport? Then you will likely need to register in the European Entry/Exit System (EES). Here’s what to expect and how to register smoothly. If you hold a passport from a European country, nothing changes.
What is the European Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EES is a digital system that records certain personal and biometric data and the dates and places of entry and exit of non-EU nationals each time they cross the external borders of the Schengen Area. It will replace manual passport stamps over time.
The phased rollout starts on 12 October 2025, with full application expected by 10 April 2026.
By digitising the border checks, the EU aims to:
Strengthen security at the Schengen external borders.
Simplify and improve the efficiency of border checks.
Keep reliable track of entries and exits of non-EU nationals visiting Europe for a short stay.
EU Member States (25): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands.
EFTA countries (4): Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
When will EES be implemented at Brussels Airport?
EES will be introduced progressively from 12 October 2025 and will be fully applicable by 10 April 2026 across the countries using the system.
Brussels Airport will also phase in the EES for arriving and departing passengers.
If you are subject to the EES, this will be clearly indicated at the airport. Our staff will be available to answer questions and to assist you.
Who has to register in EES?
For nationals of the European countries using EES, as well as Cyprus and Ireland, nothing changes.
Registration is required for:
Non-EU nationals arriving at Brussels Airport for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period, with or without a short-stay visa) in the Schengen area.
Non-EU nationals leaving the Schengen Area via Brussels Airport after a short stay.
Registration is not required for:
Nationals of the European countries using EES (Schengen countries), as well as Cyprus and Ireland.
Non-EU nationals holding a residence permit or a long-stay visa.
Certain professional categories such as accredited diplomats and cross-border workers.
See the full list of exemptions.
How does EES registration work at the airport?
Do you meet the registration requirements? Then, when you arrive at or leave the airport, you’ll need to share some personal and biometric data.
You can do this directly at the border control booth. At a later stage you will be able to enter the details yourself at a pre-registration kiosk. These data are transmitted to the border guards of the Federal Police, who carry out the actual border checks and transmit the information to the EES.
How does the EES registration at the border work?
Scan your passport/travel document.
Have your facial image and fingerprints taken (under-12s are exempt from fingerprinting).
Enter your contact details (phone, email) and flight number.
Thanks to this pre-registration, your EES file can be easily updated by border guards during your future trips from or to the Schengen countries.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to complete (pre-)registration at the airport itself?
Yes. Pre-registration and registration in the EES are done at the airport. Brussels Airport provides 61 pre-registration kiosks and additional border-control booths.
Am I required to provide my fingerprints?
Yes. Fingerprints and a facial image are mandatory, except for children under 12. If you refuse to provide your biometric data, you will be denied entry into the territory of the European countries using the EES. More information.
Do I need to register again for every trip?
No. Your EES file is updated at each crossing of the external borders (place, date and time).
How is my privacy protected?
Your data are processed in compliance with EU Regulation.
Are the kiosks wheelchair accessible?
No. Travellers with reduced mobility or requiring assistance can register at the border-control booths.
Do I need to arrive earlier at the airport?
No, unless explicitly requested. Stay updated via our website/app.
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information at the websites of the Belgian Federal Public Service Interior and the EU Travel to Europe portal.