The EES stipulates that at border control points in EU countries, including Riga Airport, travelers from non-EU countries — also known as third countries — will have their travel data and biometric information (facial image and fingerprints) registered when entering or exiting the Schengen area. The registered data will be valid for three years.

If you are flying from the UK, USA, or any non-EU country after 12 October 2025, plan extra time at airport's border control to complete your first EES registration.

The system is in full force across the EU, including Riga Airport, from 1 April 2026.

The EES applies to:

• Non-EU nationals visiting Latvia or other Schengen countries for short stays – up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• Both visa-exempt travelers (e.g. from the UK, USA, Canada) and those with short-stay visas.
• Children under 12 will have a photo taken but no fingerprints collected.

The EES does not apply to Latvian citizens, citizens of other EU countries, or permanent residents of Latvia, and biometric data will not be collected or checked during border control.

• During the first trip a traveler who is a third-country national entering from or departing to a country outside the Schengen Area is required to scan their passport, have a facial photo taken, and provide four fingerprints at the border control point.
• For subsequent trips, a quick passport and biometric data check will be sufficient. The collected data will be valid for three years, after which it will need to be submitted again.
• Border guards will guide you through the process.

• No more passport stamping at border control once the system is fully in place.
• Entry and exit are logged digitally in the EU system.
• Automated border checks may speed up future crossings.
• Easier monitoring of the 90 days in 180-day rule for short stays.

During the initial months of the EES implementation, queues at border control may be longer, as travelers who are third-country nationals will need to register in the new system. Therefore, all passengers are advised to allow extra time for border control, especially in popular destinations and during peak travel hours.

Additional informational materials are available at border control points, including Riga Airport, and staff support will be provided. 

• Passport details
• Date, time, and place of entry/exit
• Facial image and, for many travelers, fingerprints

This data is stored securely for three years after your last trip or until your passport expires.

• More secure and modern border control.
• Faster repeat crossings once you are registered.
• No more losing track of days due to missing passport stamps.
• Safer travel through reduced risk of fraud and overstaying.