Schengen: What Changes for Non-European Travelers with the EES System

As of April 10, 2026, the European Entry and Exit System (EES) is operational across the 29 Schengen member states, replacing the manual stamp on passports for non-European travelers. Travelers' data, including photos, fingerprints, and passport information, are now recorded electronically. This system stems from a European regulation adopted in 2017 and applies to short stays, while the ETIAS is set to be deployed by the end of 2026 for certain visa-exempt travelers.