Switzerland and Portugal have implemented a 72-hour pre-registration requirement for non-EU travelers, joining other Schengen nations in streamlining border processes under the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES).www.visasupdate.comwww.travelandtourworld.com Effective today, the measure allows visa-exempt visitors from countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK to submit passport data, facial photos, and trip details via the new "Travel to Europe" mobile app up to 72 hours before arrival.www.travelandtourworld.comwww.portugalresident.com This optional tool generates a QR code for faster processing at self-service kiosks, aiming to reduce queues amid EES rollout challenges since its October 2025 launch.www.thetravel.com

The app's activation in Portugal and Switzerland follows its debut in early 2026 and prior use at select Swedish borders, with features varying by country. Non-EU nationals, including short-stay visa holders, must comply at EES-enabled points, while EU citizens, EEA nationals, and Swiss nationals remain exempt. Officials emphasize checking national border websites, as full EES mandatory operation is set for April 10, 2026, with ETIAS pre-travel authorization delayed to late 2026.

Travelers report mixed experiences with EES teething issues causing delays, but pre-registration is promoted to facilitate smoother entries, particularly as countries like Denmark, Latvia, Poland, Germany, Italy, and Luxembourg expand similar systems. The app is available on official EU stores, supporting the progressive Schengen-wide adoption to enhance security and efficiency.