The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) has launched fully operational across 29 countries today, marking the end of traditional passport stamping for non-EU travelers on short stays limited to 90 days in any 180-day period.home-affairs.ec.europa.euwww.visaflow.appwww.euronews.com Starting April 10, 2026, the digital system records entries, exits, and refusals using biometric data like fingerprints and facial scans, enhancing border security while tracking compliance with the 90/180 rule.parade.com This rollout follows a progressive phase since October 2025, which already registered over 45 million crossings and flagged thousands of entry refusals.

Early successes from the EES pilot highlight its effectiveness in combating identity fraud and security threats, with over 600 high-risk individuals denied entry and cases like a repeat offender in Romania detected through biometric matching. Non-EU citizens, including UK and visa-exempt visitors, must now use self-service kiosks at airports, land borders, and seaports, though children under 12 skip fingerprints.www.timeout.com Exemptions apply to EU nationals, their families, crew members, and residents with permits, but expect initial delays of 1.5-2 hours at borders as processes stabilize.

Airports anticipate smoother operations medium-term, despite calls from airlines for temporary suspensions during peak 2026 summer travel.skift.com The EES paves the way for the ETIAS pre-travel authorization later this year, further modernizing EU external borders without requiring fees yet. Travelers are advised to arrive early and consider EU apps for pre-registration to minimize queues.