Overview

• The Entry-Exit System will go live on 12 October 2025 and be rolled out in phases until full operation across all external Schengen borders on 10 April 2026.
• Under the new rules, non-EU travellers must provide four fingerprints and a facial image at compliant entry points.
• During the first six months of rollout some border crossing points will require biometric checks while others continue manual passport stamping.
• The European Travel Information and Authorisation System is due to start operations in the last quarter of 2026 with a €20 application fee and exemptions for under-18s, over-70s and certain family members.
• These measures aim to digitise border crossings, enforce the 90-day limit in any 180-day period and align EU rules with comparable systems such as the US ESTA.