EU borders are changing in 2026. Here’s what it means for you

Words: Hannah Ralph

For those who are fans of the humble passport stamp, change is on the way. The European Union has decided to wave goodbye to the ink of yesteryear and say hello to a fully digitised system for non-EU citizens leaving and entering all 29 countries within the Schengen Area. If you’re a UK traveller who travels frequently, you may have already noticed it in motion: the new Entry/Exit System (EES) – has been rolling out across Schengen borders since 12 October 2025, with an anticipated completion date of 10 April 2026. Since the stamps are no more, the EES will operate purely on passport data and biometric data, namely your fingerprints and a facial photo. Once your biometric information is in the system? Subsequent entries and exits should be smoother.

But that’s not all for non-EU citizens looking to head into the Schengen Area. Toward the end of 2026 (date not yet confirmed), the EU is adding another item to the pre-travel check list: an online authorisation form, hereby to be known as ETIAS. The closest comparison is to the USA’s long-standing ESTA, which you’ll know all about if you’re a regular visitor to the States. Just as with an ESTA, this European version will require an online form to be filled in and a small fee to be paid. All being well, you’ll receive the green light to travel immediately, and this authorisation remains valid for three years of glorious, unrestricted travel.

That’s the topline for you but, of course, there are always plenty of nitty gritty details with these things. Keep reading for those and do so with the assurance that these changes have been designed to keep people safe, speed up travel and make border control that bit more efficient.

What is the EES? Here’s what you need to know

What is the EES, in a nutshell?
It’s a new, totally digital EU entry and exit system. It means that, moving forward, your biometric data (fingerprints and facial recognition) will do the heavy lifting: no more passport stamps.

Who does the EES affect?
Non-EU citizens, such as those from the UK.

Why is the EES happening?
Since passport stamps are now deemed inefficient, the digital nature of the EES means the authorities will know exactly who is in the Schengen Area and for how long. This, of course, helps them to enforce the golden rule: that non-EU citizens can’t spend longer than 90 days in the Schengen Area within a 180-day period.

How will it work? How will they get my biometric data?
If it’s your first time travelling to the Schengen Area after the EES has gone live, then you’ll be required to submit your fingerprints and facial photo at one of the dedicated border control kiosks or with a border officer. Until you do this, the system won’t have your data. However, once you’re in the system, you’re in and shouldn’t have to think about it again.

When does this new system start?
It began rolling out across border points in the 29 participating Schengen countries as of 12 October 2025, so it’s already in motion. The expectation is that every airport, ferry port and major land crossing within the 29 countries will have EES kiosks or border officer procedures firmly in place by 10 April 2026.

Is anyone exempt from the EES?
All travellers over the age of 12 will have to submit their biometric data for the EES. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting, but will still need to take the facial photo.

What are the 29 countries where this applies?
The EES will be used in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. And non-EU Schengen associates Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are also included. The EES does not apply to Cyprus or Ireland.

Will the EES impact my holidays?
The honest answer is: a little – but mainly on that first trip with the EES in effect, where you might be wise to allow extra time at the airport at both ends. A whole group of travellers needing to have their photo and fingerprints captured may cause increased queues. However, after that first trip, and as more and more people enter the system, future entries and exits from the Schengen Area should be smoother.

How long is my biometric data stored for?
It’s not kept forever – it’ll be stored for between three and five years, depending on your travel habits (longer if you flout the 90-day visa rules). The clock begins, so to speak, from your most recent exit and resets the next time you enter one of the 29 countries in question.

Will I need to give my biometric data every time I enter or leave?
It’s a one-off collection. After that, your passport is simply checked against the existing digital data.

Do I have to do anything in advance or before travel?
No. There’s no form to fill in and no application to submit: your biometric data is collected at the border the first time you travel after the EES launches – and that’s it.

Will my passport still be stamped?
We’re afraid not. At the borders of the participating countries, passport stamping will be altogether replaced by the digital EES record.

Will I be checked when travelling between Schengen countries
No. EES applies only at the external borders of the Schengen Area. Even as a non-EU traveller, you won’t be routinely rechecked when moving between Schengen countries.

What is ETIAS? Here’s what you need to know

What is ETIAS, in a nutshell?
Think of it like an ESTA – the USA’s long-standing pre-travel authorisation check – but for Europe. It’s an easy, online form that, once authorised, is valid for three years of travel within the Schengen Area.

Who does the ETIAS effect?
The same people as the ESS: non-EU citizens looking to travel within Europe.

Why is the ETIAS happening?
Ultimately, it’s all about the EU trying to strengthen and increase efficiency at the border. By screening travellers before they arrive in any given country, authorities can identify any security risks in advance, rather than dealing with them at the border. It also brings the EU into line with similar systems already used by countries such as the aforementioned USA, streamlining arrivals and easing pressure at passport control.

How will it work? Will it cost me money?
Before your trip, you’ll fill out a short form with basic personal details, passport information, and a few security and health questions. All being well, the system will usually approve your application within minutes – and off you go. There is a small fee attached, currently set at €20. However, that’s only to be paid once per online authorisation – you won’t have to pay it each time you travel.

How long does the ETIAS last for?
Once approved, an ETIAS authorisation is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first. During that time, you can make multiple short trips (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) to the Schengen Area without needing to reapply or pay anything more for the pleasure.

When do I have to start doing this?
The ETIAS is expected to launch in late 2026. From that point, all visa-free UK travellers will need to apply for the one-off ETIAS authorisation before making their first post-launch trip to any of the participating countries. There may be a brief transition period, but eventually travel without an approved ETIAS will not be allowed.

How soon before travelling should I fill out the ETIAS form?
You can apply for the ETIAS any time before your trip, but it’s generally recommended that you complete the form at least a few days prior to heading to the airport to allow for processing. Most applications are approved within minutes but, in some rare cases, additional checks can take longer. As ever, just be sure to give yourself extra time to help avoid any last-minute stress.

Is anyone exempt from the ETIAS?
ETIAS applies only to visa-free non-EU travellers. Children under 18 and adults over 70 won’t have to pay the fee.

What are the countries where this applies?
Unlike the EES, ETIAS authorisation will be required for 30 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden, as well as the Schengen‑associated Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. As with the EES, Ireland is not included.

Will ETIAS impact my holidays?
The fee might be the most annoying part – and it’s one more thing to remember while packing your passport – but beyond that, not really. The process is quick and done online before you travel, usually taking just minutes to complete. Once approved, it will be electronically linked to your passport, so border checks in the Schengen Area should be smoother and faster for the following three years of validity. Just remember to apply – forgetting to do so could end up significantly delaying your trip.

What happens if your ETIAS is denied?
If your ETIAS application is denied, you won’t be permitted to travel to the Schengen Area using that authorisation. In most cases, you will receive a reason for the refusal and should be given the option to appeal the decision or reapply once any issues outlined are resolved. Should you continue to be denied, then you will need to see about applying for a traditional Schengen visa if you wish to travel.