Next week, the European Union’s new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) will officially take effect at the bloc’s borders. The automated system will record all entries and exits of non-EU travelers as part of preparations for the launch of the ETIAS electronic travel authorization program in 2026.
Starting Sunday, October 12, new entry procedures will apply to tourists who are not citizens of the EU. The EES will gradually replace manual passport checks, collecting biometric data — facial images and fingerprints — from each traveler. Implementation will roll out across 29 participating countries through April 10, 2026.
The system’s purpose is to monitor how long non-EU visitors stay within the Schengen area and to automatically detect overstays beyond the usual 90-day limit within a 180-day period. EU officials say the EES will help speed up border processing, reduce identity fraud and support the fight against terrorism and organized crime.
The collected biometric data will be used to verify travelers’ identities more accurately while, according to the EU, maintaining privacy and data protection standards.
The new rules do not apply to citizens of the EU or to travelers from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, who remain exempt from the 90-day limit and may continue using designated or automated border lanes. The EES applies only to non-EU tourists.
Later, toward the end of 2026, the EU will also introduce the ETIAS travel authorization — an online pre-approval system required for travelers from visa-exempt countries, including Israel, the United States, Canada and Australia. The authorization will cost €20 and remain valid for three years.
Meanwhile, other countries are tightening entry procedures as well. Beginning October 15, Sri Lanka will require all visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Previously available upon arrival, the authorization must now be completed online in advance and costs $59, with small discounts available for group applications.