Overview

• Non‑EU short‑stay visitors will have fingerprints and a facial photo captured at external Schengen borders to create a digital record retained for three years.
• Passport stamping will continue during the transition, with full EES operation targeted for 10 April 2026.
• Implementation will vary by country, with Czechia, Estonia and Luxembourg ready to process all eligible travellers from day one and Germany initially limiting checks to Dusseldorf airport.
• No pre‑travel sign‑up or payment is required for registration, and children under 12 will not be fingerprinted though a photo may still be taken.
• UK departure points at Dover, Folkestone and London St Pancras will register travellers before exit for Schengen crossings, while most cruises starting and ending outside Schengen are generally exempt.