Malta Joins Poland, Finland, Luxembourg, Norway, Romania, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Greece, Latvia, and More in the Launch of the Groundbreaking Entry/Exit System Starting April 2026, Revolutionizing Schengen Border Control for a New Era of Travel: Everything You Need to Know

Published on
March 27, 2026

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Starting on April 10, 2026, travelers heading to Europe will face some key changes in border control procedures. The European Union is introducing the Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border control program that will impact visitors to the Schengen area, which comprises 29 European countries. The EES will collect biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints, as part of efforts to streamline and enhance security at borders. This system is a precursor to the eventual implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) later in 2026, a program designed to pre-screen visitors prior to their entry into the region.

The new Entry/Exit System will be fully operational by April 10, marking the final phase of a transition that began in October 2025. The primary aim of the EES is to replace the traditional method of passport stamping, which has been phased out in favor of a more efficient and secure digital system. This system will allow border authorities to collect biometric data, track travel history, and verify whether travelers are eligible to enter the Schengen zone. While the system is designed to be automated, travelers will still be subject to human inspection in certain cases.

To comply with the EES, travelers must possess a biometric passport—also known as an e-passport. These passports have been in use for U.S. citizens since 2007 and are easily identifiable by the small emblem of two rectangles and a circle on the cover. A biometric passport is required to use the system’s self-service kiosks. Travelers without one will be subject to additional checks and will not be able to use the expedited processing features.

The Entry/Exit System will be operational across all 29 countries within the Schengen area, which includes popular destinations such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, and Switzerland. However, two countries—Cyprus and Ireland—are not part of the Schengen zone and will continue to follow their own border procedures, meaning passport stamps will still be issued there.

Looking ahead, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be the next significant change for travelers. While the exact launch date has not been set, it is expected to be introduced later in 2026. ETIAS will require travelers from 60 non-European countries, including the U.S., to apply for authorization before entering any of the Schengen zone countries or Cyprus. The registration process will involve filling out an online application and paying a small fee of approximately 7 euros (about $8 USD). There will be some exceptions to the fee: travelers under the age of 18 and over 70 will not be charged, but they will still need to obtain ETIAS approval.

The European Union has stated that ETIAS will follow a gradual implementation process. Initially, travelers will be given a six-month transition period, during which they will be required to apply for an ETIAS but will not be denied entry if they fail to do so. This grace period will help travelers adjust to the new system. After the transition, all travelers will need to have an ETIAS authorization before traveling to the Schengen area or Cyprus.

It is worth noting that ETIAS is different from other travel authorizations, such as the U.K.’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Unlike the Schengen system, the ETA applies only to travelers heading to the United Kingdom. Since the U.K. is no longer part of the European Union, it has implemented its own entry requirements. To travel to the U.K., visitors from certain countries, including the U.S., must apply for an ETA through a dedicated app. The application process requires basic personal details, passport information, and a photo, and the fee for an ETA is currently £16 (about $13 USD). This fee is set to increase to £20 ($27 USD) in April 2026. Once granted, the ETA is valid for two years, and travelers can make multiple entries during that period, with each stay not exceeding six months. However, travelers with a new passport will need to apply for a new ETA.

One key difference between the ETA and ETIAS is that travelers connecting through U.K. airports will only need an ETA if they pass through U.K. border control. If they remain in the airport’s transit area and do not clear immigration, they will not require the authorization. However, if passengers need to collect baggage or leave the airport, they must apply for an ETA, as they will be subject to border control checks.

With both the EES and ETIAS in place, travelers to Europe will face a more modernized and secure border control system. These changes are designed to improve the efficiency of the border process and ensure that travelers meet the necessary entry requirements before their arrival. While the U.K. has already rolled out its ETA, the full implementation of ETIAS will still take a few more years. In the meantime, travelers heading to the Schengen area will need to ensure they have the appropriate documentation, including biometric passports, and be aware of the new digital entry procedures. With these changes, European borders are becoming more streamlined and secure, providing a smoother travel experience for visitors.