Travel to Europe is expected to change significantly in the coming days, as the European Union will fully implement the new Entry-Exit System (EES) starting on April 10, 2026.
This new system, which began to be gradually implemented on October 12 last year in 29 European countries, will replace traditional passport stamps with digital records of entries and exits from EU territory, as well as cases of refusal of entry for non-EU citizens traveling for short stays.
Within this system, biometric data such as facial photographs and fingerprints will be recorded, along with personal data from the travel document.
The system aims to modernise border control and migration management in the EU, as well as help fight crime, fraud and identify security risks. According to the European Commission, since its launch, over 24,000 people have been rejected at the border for reasons such as expired or forged documents, or the inability to justify the purpose of the trip. In addition, over 600 people have been identified as a security risk.
The new system applies to citizens from outside the EU and Schengen area travelling to these countries for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This includes British citizens and travellers who do not require a visa, whether travelling for tourism or business. However, Ireland and Cyprus will not apply this system and will continue with manual passport checks.
Citizens of EU and Schengen countries, persons with residence permits or long-term visas, and their family members who have residence cards are exempt from this system. Also excluded are several other categories such as international transport personnel, armed forces, and local residents with special border permits.
The full implementation of the system is expected to cause significant delays at airports during the first months. Currently, during peak times, waits can be up to two hours, and at some airports even longer. One of the main reasons is that all travellers from third countries must register in the system. Unlike before, border authorities will no longer be able to suspend procedures during peak periods. For this reason, travellers are recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours earlier than usual. However, the situation is expected to improve over time, as procedures become more efficient.
Travelers with ordinary passports will have to register at the counters and provide data such as a photograph and fingerprints. This data is stored for three years, making future trips faster. Refusal to provide biometric data automatically leads to a refusal of entry. Children under 12 years of age are not required to provide fingerprints, but must have their photograph taken.
Registration in the system takes place upon arrival at the border and is not required in advance. However, there is the possibility of partial registration through an official EU application, which allows uploading data and a photo up to 72 hours before travel, speeding up border procedures. This application is currently only available in a few countries and is expected to be expanded throughout the EU. Nevertheless, border checks remain mandatory for all travelers.
