EES: New Biometric Checks
The European Union (EU) is undergoing a dramatic transformation with regard to its external borders. Its new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now steadily going live in more and more checkpoints across the region. Furthermore, the long-awaited rollout of the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is on track for 2026 launch. Hence, travelers will need to face new entry procedures during the busy holiday season.
In particular, EU agency eu-LISA has noted that EES operations have largely stabilized across member states. In addition, its biometric installations continue to become operational across airports, seaports, and land borders.
“Eu-LISA continues to provide reinforced central monitoring, operational guidance and on-site support where needed,” the agency said, speaking to Biometric Update. Meanwhile, authorities emphasize that they remain committed to the EES’ full operational reliability.
What EES Means for Travelers
Overall, EES replaces manual passport stamps with automated biometric capture. The system records a traveler’s face image, fingerprints, and identity data during their first entry into the Schengen area. Consequently, border officers can detect overstays more easily and identify travelers with multiple identities.
Previously, the European Union launched EES in October 2025. Since then, implementation has expanded through a progressive model. Some states activated all border points at once. Meanwhile, others chose a staged method to reduce congestion and technical strain. Even so, traditional stamps still apply at border points where EES is not yet live.
Notably, the system marks a major shift for non-EU travelers. They will undergo biometric collection the first time they enter after activation. After that, future crossings may move faster because the data remains stored for future verification.
ETIAS: Toward 2026 Deadline
ETIAS will add a new layer of pre-departure screening for visa-exempt travelers. Authorities expect the program to launch in the last quarter of 2026. Once active, ETIAS will require travelers from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and dozens of other countries to apply online before heading to Europe.
Applicants will submit passport details, answer a short security form, and pay a fee. Their authorization will last up to three years or until the passport expires. Furthermore, carriers will become responsible for checking ETIAS approval at departure gates. As a result, airlines and coach operators will need new verification tools by spring 2026.
EU officials argue that ETIAS will make border screening more secure. They also say it will align the bloc with similar systems used in the United States and Canada. However, they acknowledge the need for strong public-awareness campaigns to avoid confusion once applications open.
Holiday Travel Pressure
The Christmas travel season is exposing the public to Europe’s evolving border rules. For instance, Switzerland offers one of the clearest examples. In particular, Geneva and Basel airports activated EES in mid-October, while Zurich Airport joined the system in November. Therefore, many travelers entering Switzerland this month are encountering new biometric kiosks for the first time.
As such, local authorities advise passengers to arrive early at airports and land crossings. This is because EES processing does not yet move at pre-EES speeds. According to The Local Switzerland, some travelers have needed extra minutes during initial EES registration. Even so, the process becomes faster on return visits because the biometric step is not repeated.
Elsewhere, border agencies in Portugal are preparing for a surge in holiday passenger traffic. In fact, officials have even raised the possibility of easing or adjusting airport controls to prevent long delays. Nonetheless, they insist that EES operations may be suspended on a “case-by-case” basis.
“If there is no need to suspend the EES, it means that there are no excessive waiting times to cross the border,” said Portugal’s Internal Security System.
Meanwhile, border statistics reveal shifting travel patterns. For instance, Ukraine reported a seasonal drop in passenger traffic at its land borders during autumn. However, entry numbers still exceeded exit figures.
Overall, this trend suggests increased holiday and labor-related travel despite ongoing regional instability. Therefore, any major procedural change, such as EES, may carry broader social effects across Europe’s periphery.
New EES Compliance Requirements
Airlines, ferry operators, and international bus companies will soon face new obligations. Once EES reaches full functionality in April 2026, carriers must verify the validity of short-stay visas before boarding. Likewise, ETIAS authorization checks will become mandatory after ETIAS launches.
Industry groups say these changes require significant preparation. Nevertheless, they welcome clearer rules and improved data-sharing guidance from eu-LISA. Many carriers already rely on digital document-verification tools. Even so, they expect added integration costs as border-management platforms evolve.
Digital and Secure Borders
The EU’s border transformation aims to modernize travel while strengthening security. Correspondingly, authorities say EES will reduce overstays by tracking precise entries and exits through biometric data. The system also improves detection of identity fraud and document manipulation. Moreover, combining EES with ETIAS introduces layered screening that occurs before a traveler even departs for Europe.
Although these changes add complexity in the short term, officials believe travel will become faster once the transition ends. For example, automated gates should expand and manual stamping will disappear. Furthermore, data accuracy will rise. Additionally, border agencies will gain timely analytics that improve migration and security planning.
What to Expect Next
Visitors should monitor developments over the next 12 to 18 months as EES will continue expanding across the Schengen area. Meanwhile, EU institutions will finalize ETIAS testing and carrier-integration guidelines. Hence, travelers should expect broader communication campaigns about ETIAS in 2026.
For now, travelers should check whether their destination already uses EES. They should also confirm whether they must provide biometric data on arrival. Soon, they will need to secure ETIAS authorization before boarding. Failure to do so may lead to denied boarding or delayed entry.
Europe’s border systems are changing fast. However, the long-term goal remains clear: safer borders, smoother processing, and modern digital infrastructure.
Photo by Kevin Schmid on Unsplash
