As of Friday April 10, a new border check entry/exit system is now fully operational at all external borders of 29 European countries for short stays.

The new system replaces the manual stamping process at immigration with a new digital record of your entry and exit instead.

It applies to all non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay of up to 90 days in any 180 day period in 29 different European countries.

The system was first rolled out in October 2025, but was fully implemented across the EU on April 10.

Back in October, Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, issued a travel update warning travellers to allow extra time for border checks.

The EES will not apply to EU citizens, Schengen residents or those with long-stay visas or residence permits.

The new system collects your biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial scans, along with your passport details.

On subsequent visits, you will not need to repeat the full process as your data will already be in the system along with your passport details. This data will be stored securely in the EES database.

According to the European Commission, the previous system did not provide reliable data on border crossings and did not allow for systematic detection of visa overstayers.

The EES aims to prevent irregular migration and allow for easier travel for what the European Commission calls “bona fide third-country” nationals.

So, while there are likely going to be longer waits when you initially visit EU countries when the system goes live, you should face quicker entry every time you visit after that first trip.

The system will be in place across the entire Schengen area of Europe, which encompasses a total of 29 countries. It includes the majority of EU countries as well as Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. It does not currently include Ireland or Cyprus, however.