The Schengen area is introducing a new border control system called the entry/exit system (EES). This system will collect and store traveler data to improve border management, prevent illegal immigration, and track migration flows more effectively. Norway is implementing the EES, and in this blog we’ll summarize the implementation schedule, explain how the system works, outline rights and share our recommendations.
Launch date and gradual implementation of the EES system in Norway
The entry/exit system started operations on 12 October 2025, at Oslo Airport Gardermoen. However, the rollout will be gradual across Norway and the Schengen area going forward.
The first 180 days from 12 October 2025 we’ll see a gradual introduction of EES, meaning that first registration in EES will occur at the first border crossing point that has started registering in EES. By the 180th day, EES will be part of the border control for all third-country nationals at all Schengen area border crossing points.
EES implementation timeline in Norway
Based on feedback from Norwegian police districts, the implementation schedule varies:
- Stavanger Airport: 11 November 2025
- Sea border control - Bergen: 10 December 2025
- Bergen Airport: 10 January 2026
- Nordland Police District: 10 January 2026
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Who will be registered in the EES system?
The EES applies to nationals of third countries (non-EU/EEA) travelling to the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days.
This applies to both visa exempt travelers and those needing a visa to enter.
Who will not be registered?
The following groups are exempt from EES registration:
- EU and EEA citizens, including Norwegian nationals
- Third-country nationals who hold a residence permit or residence card issued by a Schengen country
- Other specific groups of travelers could also be exempt
Also read: Key compliance rules for employers relocating employees to Norway
How does the EES system work?
First-time registration
When a third-country national enters the Schengen area for the first time, their identity, travel document data, and biometric information (facial image and fingerprints) will be registered. Entry to the Schengen area will be refused if the person is not willing to provide their biometric data (fingerprints and facial image).
Later entries and exits
On later entries and exits, biometric data will be used to verify identity. The system will record the time and place of entry and exit, as well as any refusals of entry.
Both entry and exit are registered in EES. Simply put, border control will be as before, but third-country nationals may be asked to provide fingerprints and photographs.
Impact on offshore workers on mobile installations
Registration requirements
Third-country nationals working on mobile installations must be border-controlled and registered in EES upon arrival in Norway. For subsequent journeys between the mainland and mobile installations, the person shall be entry/exit controlled, with entries and exits registered in EES. They shall be border-controlled, registered in EES, photographed, and fingerprinted.
Processing time
During the implementation period, businesses should prepare for longer processing times at border control. Control for a third-country national will take approximately 2.5 times as long as current procedures. In addition to scanning passports, fingerprints must now be collected and photographs taken. For larger crew changes, more time must therefore be allocated.
What stays the same
Despite these changes, some aspects of current procedures remain unchanged:
There will be no change in notification forms to the police, and the location for control will remain the same. There will be no changes in current routines, with physical attendance at border control required as usual and no new routines for notification of control or attendance for control.
Also read: Norwegian visa requirements for foreign employees
What are the rights regarding personal data stored in the EES system
Everyone has the right to request access to the personal data registered about them during border control.
They can also ask for inaccurate or incomplete information to be corrected, request that their data be deleted in certain circumstances, or restrict how their data is processed in the entry/exit system.
If they believe their data has been mishandled, they have the right to file a complaint with the supervisory authorities.
What countries are using the EES system
The following 29 countries will use the entry/exit system:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Note: Cyprus and Ireland will continue to stamp passports manually.
Our recommendations regarding the registration requirements
Based on the police district feedback and official guidance, businesses should:
- Plan for extended processing times – allocate at least 2.5 times the current border control time for third-country nationals, especially during first-time registration
- Maintain current notification procedures – continue submitting notification forms for mobile installations as before
- Inform employees and contractors – ensure third-country nationals understand they must provide biometric data and that entry will be refused if they decline
Conclusion
The entry/exit system represents a significant modernization of Schengen border management. The main objectives are to prevent irregular stays, detect identity fraud, and identify travelers who do not fulfil entry conditions. Whilst the core procedures for offshore workers on mobile installations remain largely unchanged, the addition of biometric registration and extended processing times require careful planning and communication.
Managing an international workforce involves various immigration and employment law considerations. We provide comprehensive support for businesses employing third-country nationals, including assistance with applications for residence permits and notification obligations regarding exemptions. Should any issues arise, we provide support with appeals in cases of refusal or rejection by the police or the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). Our team offers general advisory services on immigration matters and workforce compliance.
For guidance on immigration matters affecting your business or to discuss your specific needs, please contact us for an initial consultation.
NEED HELP SENDING EMPLOYEES TO NORWAY?
Our lawyers are happy to assist. Contact us today.
