The European Commission has confirmed that the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will become fully operational as of April 10, 2026.
The EES, which started operations on October 12, 2025 with a progressive roll-out in 29 European countries, replaces passport stamping with digitally recorded entries, exits or refusals of entry of non-EU nationals coming for a short stay (up to 90 days within any 180-day period). Travelers’ facial image, fingerprints and personal data from the travel document are recorded at the border on entry.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is scheduled to start operations in the last quarter of 2026. ETIAS changes the way visa-free nationals travel to 30 European countries for a short stay (up to 90 days within any 180-day period). It requires these travelers to apply for a travel authorization online before a trip.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.