The European Entry/Exit System (EES), designed to digitally track foreign nationals entering and exiting the Schengen Area, was used for the first time on Sunday at Madrid’s Barajas Airport — Spain’s largest airport. According to the National Police, 1,819 travellers were registered through the new system on its first day. The system is expected to be introduced at Palma Airport in November.
The EES will collect biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints, and is expected to be fully operational across all Schengen countries within six months. It will eventually replace the manual passport stamping process currently used at border controls. Full implementation across the Schengen Area is scheduled for 10 April 2026, the EU’s set date for mandatory use.
The 29 countries within the Schengen Area — comprising all EU members except Cyprus and Ireland, along with Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein — have begun gradually introducing the system. Once fully operational, it will track entries and exits at airports, seaports, and land borders, storing data such as passport details, entry and exit times, and decisions on whether travellers were permitted or refused entry. This information will be held in a shared EU database accessible to all Schengen states as part of the EU’s wider “smart borders” initiative to enhance external border management through advanced technology.
The European Union is introducing a new electronic entry and exit system (EES) to replace manual passport stamping at its external borders. Instead of physical stamps, travellers’ details will be recorded digitally, linking their passport to biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans.
This modernisation aims to strengthen border management, curb illegal migration, prevent identity fraud, and monitor individuals who overstay their allowed time in the Schengen area, while also ensuring that travellers without visas adhere to the 90-day limit within any 180-day period. First-time arrivals will be required to scan their passports, register fingerprints, and provide a facial image, with their details checked against the EES database upon departure to confirm compliance and record exit. For subsequent visits, only facial recognition will typically be needed, and children under 12 will be registered with a photograph only. Registration with the EES is free of charge.
The EU expects only minimal disruption as the system is gradually rolled out, with border officers able to pause checks temporarily if queues become too long. The UK government has advised travellers to allow extra time as the system settles in, as busy periods may see longer delays, with the real test expected during peak holiday travel, particularly around Easter 2026 and the following summer.
Future requirements
Looking ahead, British citizens will need to obtain a valid European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorisation. However, this additional requirement isn't scheduled for implementation until the final quarter of 2026, providing travellers with adequate time to prepare for these future changes.