The EES has been fully operational in the Schengen Area countries since 10 April 2026. Although Andorra is not part of this area, its geographical location means that many people arriving in the Principality do so via Spain or France, which are both Schengen countries. This means that the EES affects some visitors to Andorra from outside the Schengen Area, including tourists, international investors and individuals applying for residency in the Principality.
This article explains what the EES is, why it was created, and what foreign nationals with links to Andorra need to keep in mind.
Table of contents:
- What is the Entry/Exit System?
Why was the Entry/Exit System created?
Why is the EES important for Andorra?
The border management agreement between Andorra and the European Union
Who is not affected by the EES?
EES and ETIAS: not the same thing
Before starting any process, check your specific situation
What is the Entry/Exit System?
The EES is a European border control system that electronically records the entry and exit of third-country nationals travelling to the Schengen Area for short stays. Until recently, entry and exit controls have primarily relied on manual passport stamping. The EES allows the relevant authorities to track when a person enters and leaves the Schengen Area, ensuring compliance with the maximum authorised stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.
The system automatically records passport numbers, dates and places of entry or exit, as well as biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints.
Why was the Entry/Exit System created?
One of the most important reasons for its creation was to modernise and improve the management of the Schengen Area’s external borders. The area enables free movement between 29 European countries without internal border controls. This makes external border control crucial: when internal controls are reduced, a more coordinated and efficient system is needed to record arrivals and departures from outside the Schengen Area.
The EES fulfils this requirement through several key objectives:
- Replacing the manual stamping of passports with a digital record
- Automatically calculating authorised periods of stay
- Detecting instances of overstaying
- Improving the identification of travellers
- Preventing document and identity fraud
- Streamlining border controls
Why is the EES important for Andorra?
Andorra is not part of the Schengen Area, but its proximity to Spain and France means that the Entry/Exit System will affect certain individuals travelling to, residing in or seeking to settle in the Principality.
Andorran citizens
Andorran citizens do not need to register with the Entry/Exit System. Consequently, Andorran passports should be exempt from this registration requirement.
This is an important point because incorrectly registering could lead to administrative issues, particularly when calculating periods of stay within the Schengen Area.
Third-country nationals who are residents of Andorra
Andorran residents who are nationals of countries outside the Schengen Area may travel within Spain and France with a valid passport and a residence and work permit issued by the Andorran Immigration Service. However, if they are travelling to other countries within or outside of the Schengen Area, they should check whether they require a visa or are subject to EES registration when crossing an external Schengen border.
It is therefore recommended to check the destination country, planned route and required documentation before travelling.
People applying for residence in Andorra
Simply applying for a residence permit in Andorra does not mean that it automatically grants the same rights as having one that has already been approved. This means you may need to monitor the number of days you spend in the Schengen Area and check whether a visa or border registration is required.
This is particularly relevant for international investors, workers who are posted abroad, and individuals who split their time between Andorra and other European countries.
The border management agreement between Andorra and the European Union
Andorra and the European Union are planning to sign a specific agreement on border management, which will adapt the implementation of the Entry/Exit System to the geographical realities of the Principality.
Once this agreement comes into force, it is expected to facilitate the movement of Andorran citizens, residents and visitors without Andorra becoming part of the Schengen Area.
The agreement will also include cooperation and security mechanisms with France and Spain, particularly with regard to residence permits for third-country nationals.
Who is not affected by the EES?
In general, the EES does not apply to citizens of the European Union or Schengen Area countries. It also does not apply in the same way to legal residents of a European Union Member State. For these individuals, checking the travel requirements for short stays is advised.
EES and ETIAS: not the same thing
The new European travel control systems are often confused with one another. While they are related, they serve different purposes.
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a pre-travel authorisation for certain third-country nationals who do not require a visa to enter the Schengen Area. In other words, these individuals will need to apply for authorisation online before travelling.
By contrast, the Entry/Exit System is not a prior authorisation or a visa. It is a border registration system that electronically records dates of arrival and departure from the Schengen Area.
As a result, the same person may be subject to both systems, so they would first need to obtain an ETIAS authorisation, and would then be registered in the EES when they enter or leave the Schengen Area.
This distinction is particularly important when it comes to Andorra, as many travellers arrive in the Principality via Spain or France. Therefore, before travelling, you should check whether you need a visa, if you will need to apply for ETIAS in the future, and whether you will be subject to EES registration at the border.
Before starting any process, check your specific situation
The application of the EES can vary depending on a person’s nationality, the type of permit they hold, and their administrative status.
If you are a foreign national with ties to Andorra and are applying for residency or planning to invest in the Principality, it is recommended that you review your situation before travelling.
At Advantia Assessors, we analyse your individual circumstances and advise you on residence and foreign investment procedures.