Key Takeaways:
- Nearly 7,000 travelers were denied entry to the Schengen area for overstaying their permitted time in the first six months of the EU's new digital border system, EES.
- Overall, 66 million entries and exits were recorded, with 32,000 refusals, including 800 for security threats.
- The EES, replacing manual passport stamps, faces rollout challenges, especially at UK-France borders, while ETIAS is expected by end of 2026.
The European Commission's annual State of Schengen report reveals that the Entry-Exit System (EES) flagged almost 7,000 overstayers in its first six months of operation. These travelers stayed beyond the 90/180-day rule—a key regulation for non-EU visitors from countries like the UK, US, and Canada—leading to fines or bans from the EU.
How the EES Caught Overstayers
The EES digitally tracks each non-EU traveler's entry and exit in real time, sharing data across Schengen states. This replaces the old passport stamping system, which was harder to enforce uniformly. When a traveler overstays, the system automatically flags them at the next border crossing. "Previously, overstays could slip through; now, every violation is recorded instantly," the report notes.
Of the 66 million movements recorded, 32,000 people were refused entry. While most refusals were for other reasons—such as invalid documents—nearly 7,000 were directly linked to overstaying. The EU did not break down further reasons, but general overstays include exceeding visa limits or the 90-day allowance within any 180-day period.
Security and Broader Impacts
Beyond overstays, nearly 800 individuals were stopped at borders as threats to internal security. The EES aims to bolster security by sharing biometric data and refusal information across the 27 Schengen countries. However, implementation has been rocky. "Several locations reported long queues," the Commission acknowledged, citing infrastructure issues like self-service system failures and flight congestion.
Airports and travel industries have warned of summer chaos, but the Commission says the system is mostly operational. Only a few countries have temporarily suspended EES operations. The UK-France border remains a bottleneck, with delays persisting at major entry points.
ETIAS: The Next Step
The report also highlights the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), expected by end of 2026. This visa-waiver system will require short-term visitors from visa-exempt countries to register and obtain authorization before travel. "Preparations are progressing," the Commission says, stressing the need for travel industry involvement to ensure a smooth launch.
What the 90-Day Rule Means for Travelers
The 90/180-day rule allows many non-EU nationals (e.g., UK, US, Canadian, Australian) to stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. With EES, enforcement is stricter. In February, drivers from the Western Balkans protested border closures over stricter enforcement, while UK logistics groups urged suspension of penalties to avoid driver shortages. The Commission has proposed extending exceptions for certain professionals.
Penalties for Overstaying
- Fines: Vary by country but can be substantial.
- Entry Bans: More severe, banning travelers from entering the EU for months or years.
- Impact: Overstayers may face difficulties in future visa applications.
Looking Ahead
As EES matures, travelers should monitor their stay durations carefully. The system is designed to prevent abuse but also aims to streamline travel for compliant visitors. The Commission's priorities for 2026-2027 include expanding EES functionality and launching ETIAS. "Schengen remains the world's most visited destination, with over 790 million travelers in 2025," the report concludes, urging continued adaptability.
Note: The 90-day rule applies to most non-EU travelers. Always check specific country rules before travel.