How does the change to EU entry and exit rules affect Ireland?

Ottoline Spearman

European Union member countries started rolling out a new entry and exit system from Sunday, electronically registering non-EU nationals’ data.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace manual passport checks for non-EU nationals, instead using biometric data to register those who travel to the Schengen area for short stays.

The move is aimed at detecting overstayers, tackling identity fraud and preventing illegal migration amid political pressure in some EU countries to take a tougher stance.

The new system will require non-EU citizens to register their personal details when they first enter the Schengen area. Any journeys after this will only require facial biometric verification.

This includes all EU countries - but excludes Ireland, as well as Cyprus, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Ireland is not participating in the scheme and is not part of the Schengen area, so travellers coming directly to Ireland are not bound by its requirements.

Irish citizens will therefore not undergo the mandatory registration at the EU bloc's borders.

People with Irish permanent residence may be exempt, if they satisfy one of three conditions: those who are immediately related to an EU citizen; those immediately related to a citizen of Schengen Area Country; or those  immediately related to a third country national who can travel throughout Europe like a citizen of a Schengen Area country.

An immediate relation is someone who is directly related - so spouse/civil partner, children under 21, or dependent parents or grandparents. For full family details, read more here.

The EES came into effect on Sunday, but full implementation is not expected until April 10th, 2026.

For more information, visit: www.irishimmigration.ie/at-the-border/eu-entry-exit-system-ees/it.