Overview
- The Entry/Exit System begins Sunday with a six‑month introduction at selected border points, including early use in places such as Düsseldorf and a first test flight into Madrid, with full operation targeted by April 2026.
- On first contact, non‑EU short‑stay travellers must register fingerprints, a facial image and passport data, creating a record valid for three years; registration is free and children under 12 provide a photo only.
- Checks will occur on arrival at Schengen airports, ports, rail terminals and road crossings, with pre‑departure processing at UK hubs in Dover, Eurotunnel Folkestone and London St Pancras overseen by French officials.
- UK juxtaposed controls will phase in by traffic type, with freight and coaches in scope from Oct. 12, car passengers at Dover from November and at Eurotunnel by year‑end, while Eurostar will introduce procedures gradually.
- Passports will continue to be stamped during the transition and travellers should allow extra time as queues may lengthen; the rules apply across 29 Schengen countries but not to Ireland or Cyprus, and a separate ETIAS authorisation is planned for late 2026 with a €20 fee.