Society

11 May, 2026 / 18:42

/ 10 April, 2026

New EU entry rules: Entry/Exit System becomes fully operational as of today

The European Union Entry/Exit System (EES), which began phased implementation on 12 October 2025 in 29 European countries, becomes fully operational as of 10 April 2026. It changes border control procedures for travelers from outside the EU and includes replacing passport stamps with digital records.

EES is a modern electronic control tool implemented at the EU’s external borders. It applies only to third-country nationals (who are not part of the EU) making short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) in the territory of the European Union.

The system provides for the recording of the date and place of entry and exit, the collection of alphanumeric and biometric data (facial image and four fingerprints), and the automatic calculation of the duration of lawful stay.

Thus, passport stamps will be replaced with digital records of entries and exits, as well as refusals of entry, for travelers from outside the EU who make short stays. Biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints will also be recorded, together with the personal data from the travel document used.

At the first entry after the system becomes operational, biometric data will be collected; for subsequent trips, verification will be automatic, reducing waiting times. Exemptions apply to children under 12, persons for whom fingerprint collection is impossible, and holders of residence permits or long-term visas issued by an EU member state.

The new system was introduced to modernize security at the EU’s borders and immigration systems, as well as to reduce crime and fraud and to identify security risks.

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