Published on
March 21, 2026
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Switzerland and Portugal have joined Denmark, Latvia, Poland, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and several other countries in implementing a new 72-hour pre-registration system for non-EU travelers in an effort to streamline border control processes and reduce congestion at key entry points. With the rise in international travel and the ongoing challenges posed by the Entry/Exit System (EES), these nations aim to alleviate long wait times and ensure smoother entry procedures by allowing travelers to pre-submit their travel and biometric data before arriving at European borders. This initiative reflects a broader push by the European Union to balance border security with the need for efficiency as non-EU tourism and business travel grows.
With travel volumes on the rise and new regulations designed to secure European borders, non-EU travelers are facing a new era of streamlined but stricter border control procedures. In an effort to reduce congestion at major international hubs, particularly during peak travel seasons, Switzerland and Portugal have recently joined an expanding list of countries, including Denmark, Latvia, Poland, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and others, in implementing a 72-hour pre-registration requirement for non-EU travelers. This move is part of the European Union’s broader effort to enhance border security while simultaneously improving the efficiency of border entry procedures.
At the heart of this new system is the Entry/Exit System (EES), which mandates the collection of biometric data from all non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area. To make this process smoother and faster, the Travel to Europe app has been launched, allowing travelers to pre-register their details up to 72 hours before their arrival at border control points. By offering the chance to submit travel and biometric data in advance, the initiative aims to eliminate long queues and waiting times that have historically plagued European airports.
The Evolution of Border Control: The Need for Pre-Registration
As international travel surged in recent years, the burden on European border controls became increasingly evident, with travelers reporting extensive waiting times at key entry points like Lisbon, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. The Entry/Exit System was introduced in October 2025 to address these issues by automating the tracking of non-EU visitors, using biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition. The EES requires that all third-country nationals entering the Schengen Area must have their entry and exit logged electronically, eliminating the need for manual passport stamps.
However, the implementation of the EES has not been without challenges. Issues with data processing delays and long queues at border checkpoints have spurred the introduction of the Travel to Europe app, designed to allow travelers to pre-register their personal and travel details. By submitting this information up to 72 hours before traveling, visitors can effectively “fast-track” their entry by reducing the time spent on in-person checks.
While participation in the Travel to Europe app is optional, the hope is that it will significantly cut down on congestion during busy travel seasons, particularly in cities and airports that experience high traffic from non-EU travelers. Initially, the program is being rolled out at Lisbon Airport, and it is expected to gradually expand to other airports across the EU.
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Switzerland Joins the Movement: A Step Toward a More Efficient Travel Experience
Switzerland, a key member of the Schengen Area, has also joined this initiative by rolling out the Travel to Europe app for travelers arriving at Zurich, Geneva, and Basel airports. With Switzerland’s central role in European travel, particularly for business and tourism, this move comes at a critical time as the country grapples with the increased volume of non-EU visitors. The integration of the Travel to Europe app into Switzerland’s border control system will allow travelers to upload their travel details in advance, reducing wait times at immigration counters and providing smoother entry for visitors from countries such as the United States, China, and India.
Travelers to Switzerland will be able to register their travel data up to 72 hours before departure, providing authorities with the necessary information to expedite the processing of their entry into the country. This process is particularly beneficial for Switzerland, which is a hub for both business travelers and winter sports enthusiasts, as well as being one of Europe’s most popular destinations for tourists from Asia and the Middle East.
Switzerland’s commitment to enhancing border control efficiency aligns with the broader goals of the Schengen Area, which seeks to maintain a balance between security and freedom of movement within the EU and neighboring countries.
Portugal’s Initiative: Aiming to Alleviate Border Congestion
Portugal, a popular gateway to Europe, particularly through Lisbon Airport, is facing increasing pressure to manage the influx of international travelers, especially during the summer months. Portugal’s participation in the pre-registration system marks a significant step toward modernizing its border security. The European Commission recently conducted an unannounced assessment of Lisbon Airport, identifying serious deficiencies in border control processes that were contributing to delays and congestion. This prompted the Portuguese government to adopt urgent measures, including the suspension of the EES system for three months to reduce wait times and improve the flow of travelers.
In response to these issues, Portugal has introduced the Travel to Europe app as a solution to speed up border processing. By allowing travelers to pre-submit their travel data up to 72 hours before arrival, Portugal is aiming to streamline the entry process and reduce the lengthy queues that have been a source of frustration for many visitors. The pre-registration feature will be available initially at Lisbon Airport, with plans for expansion to other airports in the future.
Portugal’s proactive approach to improving its border security is in line with the broader EU initiative to create a more seamless travel experience while maintaining the necessary checks and balances to ensure safety.
Denmark, Latvia, Poland, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and More: Pioneering the Future of Travel in Europe
Switzerland and Portugal are not the first countries to embrace the Travel to Europe app. Denmark, Latvia, Poland, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and others were among the early adopters of this initiative, offering their travelers the opportunity to pre-register their travel details before entering the Schengen Area.
Denmark: Innovating for Business and Leisure Travelers
In Denmark, the government has integrated the app into its border control procedures, allowing visitors from outside the EU to pre-submit their details up to 72 hours in advance. This is expected to significantly reduce wait times at airports such as Copenhagen and Billund, both of which are major travel hubs for tourists and business travelers alike. The move is particularly important for Denmark as it anticipates growing numbers of visitors from Asia, the Middle East, and North America.
Latvia: A New Era for Eastern European Travel
Latvia has also embraced the new system, launching it at Riga International Airport, which is a popular entry point for travelers from Russia, Belarus, and other Eastern European countries. The 72-hour pre-registration requirement will be crucial in facilitating smoother entry for non-EU nationals, particularly as Latvia continues to increase its tourism efforts in light of recent political and economic changes in the region.
Poland: Ensuring Smooth Entry for Tourists
In Poland, the system is being implemented at major airports such as Warsaw Chopin Airport and Kraków John Paul II International Airport, with plans for a gradual rollout across the country. As one of the largest countries in Central Europe, Poland attracts a significant number of non-EU travelers, particularly from Ukraine, the US, and the Middle East. The pre-registration system is expected to enhance Poland’s competitiveness as a destination for international tourists.
Germany: Leading the Charge in Border Innovation
Germany, a key player in the Schengen Area, was one of the first countries to adopt the EES and Travel to Europe app. With major airports like Frankfurt and Munich serving as hubs for international travelers, Germany has long faced challenges with congestion at border control points. By introducing the 72-hour pre-registration system, Germany aims to reduce the time spent on administrative checks, making it easier for visitors from non-EU countries to enter the country for business, tourism, or education.
Italy: Streamlining Border Entry for Global Travelers
Similarly, Italy and Luxembourg have adopted the pre-registration system at key airports such as Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, and Luxembourg Airport. Italy’s historical significance as a travel destination and Luxembourg’s status as a financial center make them critical players in the EU’s travel ecosystem. The implementation of the pre-registration system will not only streamline border controls but also improve the overall traveler experience by reducing stress and delays.
Sweden: Early Adoption and Expansion Plans
Sweden, one of the first countries to roll out the pre-registration system, has successfully integrated the Travel to Europe app at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. The app allows travelers from non-EU countries to submit their personal details and travel documents up to 72 hours before arrival. As Sweden has become a key hub for technology and business in Scandinavia, this move has been crucial to keeping up with growing travel demand.
The Netherlands: Adding Efficiency to Busy Schiphol
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest airports, the pre-registration system will significantly help reduce congestion during peak travel periods. As non-EU travelers increasingly flock to the Netherlands for tourism and business, this measure is expected to improve the overall border control process while providing a more efficient entry for international visitors.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Travel in the EU
The pre-registration requirement for non-EU travelers, spearheaded by Switzerland and Portugal, is part of a broader trend toward digitizing border controls and enhancing the efficiency of travel in Europe. As the EU continues to integrate new technologies like the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the Travel to Europe app, it is expected that more countries will join the initiative in the coming years. This will create a more seamless and secure travel environment for millions of visitors to the Schengen Area.
With the EES scheduled for full implementation by April 2026, the system will eventually cover all external borders of the Schengen Area. The adoption of the Travel to Europe app is a critical component of this rollout, helping to alleviate congestion at key border points and ensuring that travelers can move smoothly and safely across the region.
Switzerland and Portugal have joined Denmark, Latvia, Poland, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and other countries in implementing a 72-hour pre-registration system for non-EU travelers to streamline border controls and reduce congestion at major airports. This move aims to enhance security while speeding up entry procedures amidst rising travel volumes.
In the long run, the pre-registration system will play a key role in reducing wait times, improving security, and fostering a more efficient travel experience for non-EU nationals. As countries like Switzerland, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Latvia, Poland, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and others lead the way, the future of travel in Europe looks brighter than ever.
