The EU's Entry/Exit System was pushed back once more in July 2024, shifting its expected October launch to at least November. The delay, driven partly by French concerns over capacity, continued a years-long pattern of postponements for the biometric border programme.
The EU's Entry/Exit System started a phased rollout on 12 October 2025, introducing biometric checks at Schengen borders for non-EU nationals. Full implementation is expected by April 2026.
The European Union is reshaping how non-EU visitors enter the bloc. New digital systems will combine biometric border checks, electronic travel approval and a fee structure that changes the travel process significantly.
The EU's new Entry/Exit System will introduce biometric border checks for many non-EU visitors. Here is what changes, why delays are a concern, and how travelers can prepare before ETIAS follows.
The EU’s new digital border system will replace passport stamping for many non-EU travelers. Here is what EES does, who it affects and what travelers should expect at the border.
The EU is preparing to roll out its new Entry/Exit System for non-EU visitors. Here is what the biometric border process means for travellers, where delays may appear and why privacy advocates are watching closely.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System is being rolled out in phases, bringing biometric border checks for many non-EU travellers. Here is a clear guide to what the system does, where it is active, and how to prepare for your next trip.