Every year millions of travellers cross the external borders of the Schengen States. Some of the visitors have a short-stay visa, while others come from countries where no visas are required. This requires modern, effective and efficient management of the external borders which strikes a balance between facilitation for travellers and internal security.There are several pieces of legislation, which regulate Schengen border crossings. In addition to these, the Entry/Exit System (EES) Regulation and the related amendment of the Schengen Borders Code as regards the use of the EES were adopted in 2017. Furthermore, in 2018, the legislation to establish a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) was adopted.On 4 December 2024, the Commission proposed to introduce a progressive start of operations for the Entry/Exit System (EES). On 19 May 2025, the European Parliament and the Council reached an agreement. The Regulation (EU) 2025/1534 on temporary derogations from certain provisions of Regulations (EU) 2017/2226 and (EU) 2016/399 as regards the progressive start of operations of the Entry/Exit System was adopted on 18 July and entered into force on 26 July 2025. The European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA) develops:EES became fully operational on 10 April 2026.ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. Entry/Exit SystemSystem for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in 29 European countriesEuropean Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)Travel authorisation for non-EU nationals from 59 visa-exempt countries travelling to 30 European countries News corner News article10 April 2026Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational 10 April 2026 marks a significant milestone in European border security as the Entry/Exit System (EES) becomes fully operational across all Schengen countries. Passport stamps are being replaced with digital records of entries and exits of non-EU nationals coming for short stays.1 min readNews article30 March 2026The Entry/Exit System will become fully operational on 10 April 2026 The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace passport stamping with digitally recorded entries, exits or refusals of entry of non-EU nationals coming for short stays. Travellers’ facial image, fingerprints and personal data from the travel document will be also recorded.2 min readNews article6 March 2026Strengthening security in the EU The Commission has published its General Report for 2025, reviewing a series of measures adopted to enhance the EU's internal security and border control, among many other actions. A major part of the EU’s response to the new security landscape came with the launch of ProtectEU, in April 2025.2 min readMore news
Entry/Exit SystemSystem for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in 29 European countries
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)Travel authorisation for non-EU nationals from 59 visa-exempt countries travelling to 30 European countries
News article10 April 2026Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational 10 April 2026 marks a significant milestone in European border security as the Entry/Exit System (EES) becomes fully operational across all Schengen countries. Passport stamps are being replaced with digital records of entries and exits of non-EU nationals coming for short stays.1 min read
News article30 March 2026The Entry/Exit System will become fully operational on 10 April 2026 The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace passport stamping with digitally recorded entries, exits or refusals of entry of non-EU nationals coming for short stays. Travellers’ facial image, fingerprints and personal data from the travel document will be also recorded.2 min read
News article6 March 2026Strengthening security in the EU The Commission has published its General Report for 2025, reviewing a series of measures adopted to enhance the EU's internal security and border control, among many other actions. A major part of the EU’s response to the new security landscape came with the launch of ProtectEU, in April 2025.2 min read
