Published on
January 24, 2026
As the deadline for the Entry/Exit System (EES) approaches in April 2026, countries across Europe are actively working to ensure smoother and more efficient border entry processes for travelers. France, along with Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Greece, and other key nations, has made significant strides in rolling out biometric technology to streamline immigration procedures. By implementing the EES soft launch, these countries are not only enhancing border security but also improving traveler convenience, ensuring a seamless experience for visitors entering the Schengen Area.
The strategic deployment of the system, from France’s integration of kiosks and tablets at major airports to Spain’s focus on the Gibraltar land border, highlights the commitment of these nations to meet the 2026 deadline. This coordinated effort aims to create a more efficient entry process, reduce wait times, and provide enhanced security for all travelers. The ongoing soft launch phases are key for troubleshooting and optimizing the system, setting the stage for full operational readiness in the coming months. Travelers can look forward to smoother crossings as these countries pave the way for a more modernized and efficient border experience.
France: Leading the Way with Kiosk & Tablet Deployment
France has been at the forefront of the Entry/Exit System (EES) implementation, showcasing a mix of fixed kiosks and mobile tablets to streamline the immigration process. The country began testing the system at major airports and border points, prioritizing sites with high traveler volume. France’s strategic approach includes both individual traveler kiosks and tablets for those traveling by vehicle, such as those passing through the Eurotunnel.
Active Hubs: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly, and Marseille are the key hubs where EES kiosks are operational. These airports are fully integrated into the testing phase, with travelers using biometric technology for faster processing. Additionally, travelers using the Eurostar from London St. Pancras will interact with the French EES system before even boarding the train, as French border checks are conducted within the UK. This cross-border integration reflects France’s comprehensive approach to ensuring the system is seamless for both local and international travelers.
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The goal for France is to test the biometric kiosks, gather feedback, and ensure smooth functionality ahead of the April 10, 2026 deadline. As the system evolves, France will continue refining the process to ensure it meets both security and efficiency standards.
Spain: Accelerating Biometric Rollout at Gibraltar Border
Spain has aggressively moved forward with the Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout, prioritizing high-traffic points like airports and specific border crossings. A key focus has been the Gibraltar land border, where Spain has concentrated efforts to streamline the entry process for daily commuters, particularly those traveling between Gibraltar and Spain. The country has been actively testing biometric scanning at its borders, with the aim of enhancing the efficiency of border checks for both leisure and business travelers.
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Active Hubs: Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat are fully operational for biometric testing, contributing to the country’s goal of creating a seamless entry and exit experience for travelers. In addition, as of January 20, 2026, Spain has accelerated the installation of biometric scanners at the Gibraltar land border. The goal is to have this system fully functional by February 2026, which will help manage the large flow of commuters from Gibraltar, particularly important for those making frequent cross-border trips.
Spain’s aggressive implementation shows its commitment to improving security and traveler convenience. The Soft Launch phase allows the country to iron out any system glitches while preparing for the upcoming surge in tourism and business travel.
Netherlands: Phased Airport Rollout for Smooth Integration
The Netherlands has taken a phased approach to implementing the Entry/Exit System (EES), focusing on strategic airports that handle high volumes of travelers. The country began its EES deployment in late 2025 with a goal to establish a smooth, secure entry process ahead of the April 10, 2026 deadline. The phased rollout ensures that smaller airports are included in the testing phase without overwhelming the system.
Active Hubs: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), one of Europe’s busiest airports, began its phased implementation on November 3, 2025. This marks a critical milestone in the country’s efforts to integrate biometric entry and exit checks into its existing border control procedures. Smaller airports such as Eindhoven and Rotterdam The Hague have also started recording biometric data for non-EU travelers, signaling the Netherlands’ determination to have a nationwide system fully functional in time for the deadline.
The Soft Launch phase allows the Netherlands to perfect its biometric checks and troubleshoot issues in real-time. By gradually scaling up implementation, the Netherlands aims to ensure a smooth transition to the fully operational system by 2026, providing both security and efficiency for travelers.
Italy: Fast-Tracking EES for the Winter Olympics
With the 2026 Winter Olympics scheduled to start in February 2026, Italy has prioritized the activation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) to ensure border efficiency during the influx of international athletes and spectators. The Italian government has fast-tracked its EES deployment at major airports and ports to meet the anticipated increase in travel volume for the Olympic Games.
Active Hubs: The major international airports of Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa have been fully operational since October 2025, marking Italy’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition before the games begin. As the country prepares for the Olympic surge, it has also extended the system to Palermo and Genoa ports, which became part of the EES network in late 2025. These ports serve as key entry points for travelers arriving by sea, particularly from non-EU countries.
Italy’s Olympic preparation plan emphasizes security, efficiency, and quick adaptation. The Soft Launch phase is crucial for ironing out any system challenges before the anticipated peak in travel, with the EES technology poised to enhance Italy’s border security while keeping travel disruptions to a minimum during the global event.
Germany: Major Transit Hubs Lead the EES Charge
Germany has focused its Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout on major transit hubs, where travelers from “third countries” often connect to other Schengen destinations. These hubs are critical to ensuring the smooth flow of travelers, particularly given Germany’s central role in European air travel and tourism. The country’s deployment strategy emphasizes large, high-volume airports where border management is crucial.
Active Hubs: Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) airports are leading the way, with the EES already active at these key locations. At these hubs, travelers can use “fast-track” pre-registration kiosks to scan their passports and take their photos before meeting with a Federal Police officer for final processing. This system aims to streamline the entry process and reduce wait times for travelers arriving in Germany.
Germany’s approach to EES reflects its commitment to improving border efficiency while ensuring a secure entry process. As the Soft Launch phase progresses, Germany will continue to monitor the effectiveness of its system, adjusting operations as needed to ensure it is fully operational by the April 10, 2026 deadline.
Greece: EES Implementation for Summer Tourism Surge
As Greece prepares for the 2026 summer tourism season, the country has focused its Entry/Exit System (EES) efforts on managing the high volume of tourists arriving by air and sea. With the peak summer season looming, Greece has prioritized key entry points and ferry ports that handle significant traffic from non-EU countries.
Active Hubs: Athens International (ATH) is the primary airport for biometric registration, and major ferry ports serving non-EU arrivals, such as those from Turkey, have been integrated into the testing phase. While smaller island airports still rely on traditional manual stamps, Athens’ main terminal now serves as a leading EES registration site. This makes it a crucial hub for travelers entering Greece.
The Soft Launch phase is especially important as Greece anticipates an influx of tourists for the summer season. By implementing biometric entry checks in the lead-up to the peak period, Greece is ensuring that it can accommodate the surge in visitors while maintaining a secure and efficient border system for all.
EES: Transforming European Tourism with Efficiency and Security
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to revolutionize European tourism by streamlining the immigration process and enhancing security at border crossings. As European countries, including France, Spain, Italy, and Germany, implement the EES, travelers can expect faster, more efficient entry and exit procedures. By using biometric technology such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, the system ensures a smoother experience for tourists while maintaining high security standards. This initiative is especially significant for the tourism industry, as it will reduce wait times at popular entry points like airports, ferry ports, and land borders. The EES will not only facilitate easier travel for visitors but also improve the overall management of cross-border movement within the Schengen Area. As tourism rebounds across Europe, the EES is a vital step in adapting to modern travel needs, ensuring that tourists can explore the continent with greater ease and confidence.
France, alongside Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Greece, and others in Europe, is paving the way for seamless border entry with the soft launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES) ahead of the 2026 deadline. This strategic move ensures smoother, faster travel and enhanced security.
Conclusion
France has joined Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Greece, and other nations in paving the way for seamless border entry with the soft launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES). As countries prepare for the 2026 deadline, this strategic move is crucial in enhancing security, streamlining the immigration process, and improving the overall travel experience for visitors. By implementing biometric technology and refining the system through testing phases, these nations are ensuring a smooth transition to the fully operational EES, which will benefit travelers with faster and more efficient border crossings in the near future. The coordinated efforts of these countries set the stage for a more modernized and secure border entry system that will enhance international travel for years to come.
