
EU Sets April 10 for Full Launch of Biometric Entry/Exit System
The EU confirms the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be fully operational by April 10, 2026. Learn how biometric checks will impact travel across 29 European countries.
90/180-day rule compliance tracker
Latest updates
Latest news on Schengen visa rules, ETIAS/EES, border-control checks, and entry requirements for travel planning.
More top stories

The EU confirms the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be fully operational by April 10, 2026. Learn how biometric checks will impact travel across 29 European countries.

Italy faces major travel disruptions in March 2026 due to nationwide strikes affecting Rome air traffic, Milan ground handling, and regional rail services.

A major Navitaire system outage has caused over 1,300 flight delays and 70 cancellations across Europe, affecting major hubs like Vienna, Brussels, and Oslo.

Starting February 25, 2026, Finnish citizens must obtain a £10 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for UK travel. Learn about the new requirements and application process.

British holidaymakers face potential passport delays for Summer 2026 due to new EU ETIAS rules and biometric border checks. Learn how to prepare for Schengen travel.

Canada issues a high-level travel advisory for the Netherlands, citing strict visa regulations and political tensions. Learn what travelers need to know.
Top story
More top stories

The European Union has confirmed that the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will reach full operational status across 29 member states on April 10, 2026 . This digital infrastructure replaces traditional manual passport stamping with a centralized database designed to monitor the movements of non-EU nationals . The system will record specific entry and exit data, including the traveler's name, document type, and the exact dates and locations of border crossings to enhance security and track overstays more effectively . This transition represents a significant shift in border management, impacting popular destinations such as Greece, Austria, and Belgium . By automating data collection, the EU aims to strengthen border security and streamline the identification of individuals who exceed their permitted stay within the Schengen Area . However, the introduction of biometric requirements, such as facial images and fingerprints, is expected to cause initial logistical challenges and potentially longer wait times at major transit hubs and border checkpoints . Travelers should prepare for a more rigorous screening process that includes the collection of biometric identifiers during their first entry after the April deadline . While manual passport stamping will persist during the initial transition phase, visitors are advised to allow extra time for border processing, particularly when traveling from non-EU countries like the United Kingdom . Staying informed through official government travel advisories is essential as the 29 participating nations synchronize their local border procedures with the new digital standards .

Italy faces major travel disruptions in March 2026 due to nationwide strikes affecting Rome air traffic, Milan ground handling, and regional rail services.

A major Navitaire system outage has caused over 1,300 flight delays and 70 cancellations across Europe, affecting major hubs like Vienna, Brussels, and Oslo.
In brief
All headlines