The European Union begins implementing the new biometric entry-exit system – how border crossings in the Schengen area will change

The European Union is starting the implementation of the new Entry-Exit System (EES) this Sunday, which will record fingerprints and biometric data for all travelers from non-EU countries entering the Schengen area.

This system will initially be implemented at selected border points and will gradually expand until April 10, 2026, covering all airports, seaports, and land borders, when it will replace the current passport stamping system.

One of the main changes introduced by the EES is that travelers will only need to stop once upon their first entry into the Schengen area to register biometric data, including photographs and fingerprints. The data will be stored in the system for a set period, and it will not be necessary to register again on subsequent entries.

This procedure may cause delays, especially at land borders, where Albanian citizens and travelers from the region often travel by car, as they will need to exit their vehicles to undergo the controls.

In preparation for this change, member states are equipping themselves with new technology and increasing staff at border points. For example, Germany will start implementation at Düsseldorf Airport this Sunday, while the Netherlands will begin at ports and Schiphol Airport from November 3.

In the United Kingdom, for the 2026 tourist season, measures have been taken to manage the flow by creating waiting areas in Kent for vehicles traveling to the Eurotunnel and Dover port. Operators such as Eurotunnel and Eurostar have invested millions of pounds in self-service equipment, while commercial passengers will be the first to undergo the new system.

The EES will be applied in 29 Schengen countries, including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. It will not apply to persons with long-term residence permits or valid EU visas.

“KORÇA BOOM”