Overview
- Went live on 12 October in 29 Schengen countries, replacing passport stamps with a centralized electronic record at airports, ports and land borders.
- Spain logged 1,833 registrations at Madrid‑Barajas on day one and began applying the system at Tenerife Norte, Sevilla and Burgos the next day.
- Authorities report stable operations with some faster crossings as border posts collect a facial image, four fingerprints, passport details and entry/exit times.
- EU migration chief Magnus Brunner says the system will help spot overstays, combat document fraud and identify irregular migrants for return.
- The rules cover non‑EU short‑stay visitors up to 90 days in any 180, exclude EU citizens and long‑stay residents, and remain distinct from ETIAS due later in 2026.