The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully live at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Since France completed its switch-over on 10 April 2026, every non-EU traveller arriving at or leaving CDG is registered in a shared biometric database instead of having their passport stamped by hand. This guide explains who has to register, exactly what happens at passport control, which terminals see the longest queues, and how to get through faster.

What is the EES?

The Entry/Exit System is an automated border-control database used across all 29 Schengen countries. It records every entry into and exit from the Schengen area by travellers who are not EU or Schengen nationals. The goal is to replace manual passport stamping with a digital record that automatically tracks the 90-days-in-any-180 short-stay allowance and flags overstays.

At Paris CDG this means the first time you cross the border after the launch, a border officer (or a self-service kiosk) captures your biometric data and links it to your passport. On later trips the checks are quicker because your file already exists.

Who has to register at Paris CDG?

You must be registered in the EES if you hold a non-EU, non-Schengen passport and are entering the Schengen area for a short stay. This includes travellers from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, and most other countries outside Europe — even if you already hold a Schengen visa.

You do not need to register if you are:

  • A citizen of an EU or Schengen country;
  • A holder of an EU residence permit or long-stay visa;
  • Travelling on certain diplomatic or exempt documents.

What happens at passport control

On your first EES crossing at CDG, the border process records four things:

  • A scan of your passport;
  • A digital photograph of your face;
  • Four fingerprints;
  • The date, time and place of entry or exit.

This first registration takes noticeably longer than the old stamp — typically a few extra minutes per traveller. On subsequent crossings the system re-uses your stored data, so only your face or fingerprints are matched, which is faster.

Which CDG terminals are affected, and how long are the queues?

EES applies at every CDG terminal that handles non-Schengen flights, but the impact is not evenly spread. Terminal 2E — the long-haul hub that receives most flights from the US, UK, the Gulf and Asia — has seen the worst delays. During peak long-haul arrival banks, non-EU passport queues at 2E have stretched to around two hours, as the extra biometric step reduces how many passengers can be processed each hour.

Terminals 2A, 2C, 2D, 2F and Terminal 1 also run EES checks for non-Schengen arrivals and departures, but usually with shorter lines than 2E at peak times.

How to save time at the border

  • Budget extra time. For arrivals, allow at least 90 minutes for passport control, and up to three hours at Terminal 2E during the busy summer season.
  • Have your passport ready and remove any cover so the scanner can read it quickly.
  • Use the self-service EES kiosks where available — completing the photo and fingerprint capture at a kiosk before you reach the officer speeds up the desk check.
  • Keep your fingers clean and dry; hand cream or moisture can cause fingerprint re-scans.
  • If you have a tight connection through CDG, factor the passport-control time into your layover and speak to your airline about minimum connection times.

EES vs ETIAS — what is the difference?

The two systems are often confused. EES is the biometric entry/exit record described above and is checked at the border. ETIAS is a separate, pre-travel authorisation that eligible visa-exempt visitors will need to apply for online before they fly. ETIAS is being introduced after EES and is not the same as registering your fingerprints at CDG. Always check the latest official guidance before you travel, as start dates and requirements can change.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register for EES at Paris CDG?

Yes, if you hold a non-EU, non-Schengen passport and are entering for a short stay. You are registered on your first crossing after the system went live, even if you already have a Schengen visa. EU and Schengen citizens and residence-permit holders are exempt.

How long does EES passport control take at CDG?

Your first biometric registration adds a few minutes per person. During peak long-haul arrivals at Terminal 2E, total passport-control waits have reached around two hours, so allow at least 90 minutes and up to three hours in summer.

What biometric data does EES collect?

On first entry the system records a passport scan, a facial photograph, four fingerprints and a timestamp. This data is stored and re-used to speed up later crossings.

Does EES replace the passport stamp?

Yes. Manual stamping is being phased out in favour of the digital EES record, which automatically tracks your 90-in-180-day short-stay allowance.

Which CDG terminal has the longest EES queues?

Terminal 2E, the main long-haul terminal for US, UK, Gulf and Asian arrivals, has seen the longest non-EU passport-control lines since the April 2026 rollout.