Starting Friday, April 10, 2026, the changes to passports come into full effect and the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is activated. The measure applies to 29 European countries and brings fundamental changes to the way third-country nationals are checked when entering and exiting the Schengen Zone.
The Entry/Exit System
The new digital system permanently replaces the traditional passport stamp. It is an automated registration process that applies to travelers from countries outside the EU (including the United Kingdom) who visit the Schengen Zone for short stays (up to 90 days per six-month period).
- Biometric data: Upon first entry, travelers will have their facial photograph and fingerprints taken.
- Digital record: The data is stored for three years, facilitating future border crossings.
- Mandatory compliance: Refusal to provide biometric data results in automatic denial of entry.
Arriving Early at Airports
Due to the complexity of the new procedure, which includes interviews with authorities, checks are expected to be time-consuming, especially in the initial period of implementation.
Fraport Greece notes that, although the EES infrastructure is the responsibility of the Hellenic Police, the company is working closely with them to ensure smooth passenger flow. For now, checks are being carried out at passport control points, while technical testing for the full integration of the system is being completed. Due to the complexity of the new procedure, service times are expected to be longer.
Recommendation to passengers: Travelers are asked to be at the airport at least 2.5 hours before their flight to avoid delays at check-in and passport control.
It is worth noting that from tomorrow, border authorities will no longer have the right to suspend checks during peak hours, as was previously the case.
Who Is Exempt from the Process
The measure does not apply to all travelers. Specifically, the following are exempt:
- Citizens of EU member states and the Schengen Zone
- Nationals of Ireland, Cyprus, Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, and Monaco
- Holders of residence permits or long-stay visas
- Aircraft and train crews on international routes
- Children under 12 years of age (exempt only from fingerprints, not from the photograph)
The “Travel to Europe” App
To speed up the process, the EU has launched the Travel to Europe app. Through it, travelers can pre-register their details and biometric photograph up to 72 hours before arrival. However, using the app does not eliminate the need for a personal interview with the border guard.
According to European Commission data, since the start of the system’s trial operation, more than 24,000 people have already been denied entry (due to forged documents or unclear purpose of travel), and 600 individuals were identified as security risks.
