EU Entry/Exit System in 2026: How Travellers Can Prepare

The rollout is active, but not every border point works the same way yet

The EU's Entry/Exit System is already being phased in and is due to become fully operational by April 2026. It is intended to replace passport stamping for short-stay non-EU travellers with digital entry and exit records, including biometric data. In practice, that means the traveller experience can still vary widely depending on the airport, port or rail terminal, with some crossings already using dedicated kiosks while others continue to rely in part on manual checks.

Expect first-time registration to take longer than old passport control

Where the system is active, first-time users may need to scan their passport, provide a facial image and register fingerprints. That extra processing has already contributed to longer waiting times at busy airports and has raised concerns for cross-Channel routes such as Dover, Eurotunnel and Eurostar, where implementation timing has not been identical for every passenger group. The safest assumption is that border control may take materially longer than on past trips, especially at peak travel times.

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Good preparation is mostly about documents, timing and realistic expectations

Travellers cannot eliminate the extra checks, but they can reduce friction. It helps to arrive earlier, keep passport and booking details ready, know accommodation information, and follow carrier guidance closely for departure times. Another important point is not to confuse EES with ETIAS: EES is the border registration system already being rolled out, while ETIAS is a separate travel authorisation expected later and will follow a different application process.