Overview

• Third‑country nationals, including UK, US and Australian passport holders, will have fingerprints and a facial image taken on first contact, creating a digital record valid for three years.
• Readiness varies by country, with the Czech Republic joining Estonia and Luxembourg in registering all relevant arrivals and departures from day one, while Germany starts at Düsseldorf only.
• The rollout will phase in over six months, with routine passport stamping continuing until full operation targeted for April 10, 2026.
• UK guidance says no pre‑travel action or fee is required, first‑time registration may add a few minutes per passenger, and children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting though a photo may be taken.
• Checks will occur at external Schengen borders across 29 countries; Ireland and Cyprus are out of scope, UK juxtaposed controls will capture data at Dover, Folkestone and St Pancras, medical insurance is not an EES requirement, and most UK‑origin cruises are generally exempt.