As the gradual phase-in of the new European Entry/Exit System (EES) that began in October 2025 nears full implementation on April 10, 2026, it is important to remember those who fall under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement and the Supplementary Agreement are exempt from registration.

European Union officials report that all EES data recorded during the program’s phase-in period will not be used to calculate lengths of stay in the system, which is still calculated based exclusively on the entry and exit stamps affixed to the passport until April 10, 2026. From that date forward, however, the EES will be fully operational and no more entry and exit stamps will be affixed to passports.

EU officials emphasize the need for travelers to carry relevant proof of status (military ID card, orders, SOFA card, etc.) that can be presented during border control checks.  Otherwise, status verification on site may only be possible to a very limited extent and, in case of doubt, registration in the EES will take place. The attached EES Cards provide a detailed overview of requirements for official and unofficial travel.

U.S. service members, government civilians, and family members should be considered exempt from the EES if they are on a DIRECT flight to the European NATO Country in which they are stationed. However, some Allies have not exempted TDY travelers coming for stays of less than 90 days, and a few have not agreed to any exemption.   If you are on a connecting flight with a prior stop in the Schengen area before traveling on to assigned NATO Country, there exists a greater risk of being registered in EES, particularly for family members.

If your data has been recorded in the EES as part of border control check, you can apply to the respective host nation to have it deleted. Each NATO country will have their own procedure for this, and if someone enters using EES instead of SOFA status, they should contact their local passport/SOFA office, legal office, or send an email to eucom.stuttgart.ecj1.mbx.eu-entry-exit-system@mail.mil with your full name, nationality, date of birth, gender, and travel document information to be removed. The request for correction must be made in the country in which you are stationed even if the registration in EES occurred in a different Schengen member state.