Overview

• Starting October 12, 2025, the Entry/Exit System will record non-EU arrivals and departures with fingerprint and facial scans in 29 participating Schengen countries instead of passport stamps.
• Full integration is scheduled for April 10, 2026 after repeated delays caused by technical setbacks since late 2024.
• Non-EU visitors must provide biometrics at their first border crossing or risk entry refusal, while children under 12 are exempt and no fee applies.
• The system will retain biometric data for three years to detect overstays and identity fraud and to enforce the 90-day short-stay limit.
• Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has updated travel advice pages to warn UK visitors of new procedures and longer processing times.