EES in the EU: A new entry-exit system will take effect on April 10, 2026

The EU is transitioning to a digital border control system that will change entry rules for foreign nationals. Find out how the EES will work, who it applies to, and what will change for Ukrainians starting April 10, 2026

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

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The European Union is transitioning to a new border control system. Starting April 10, 2026, the digital Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to become fully operational at the external borders of the Schengen Area, changing the usual border crossing rules for third-country nationals, including Ukrainians. Euronews reports on this.

What will change for travelers after the launch of the EES?

The new EES system will completely eliminate paper stamps in passports. Instead, all border crossing data will be stored in an electronic database.

Key changes:

● elimination of passport stamps;

● electronic recording of every entry and exit;

● collection of biometric data (facial photo and fingerprints);

● automatic monitoring of the 90/180-day stay rule.

This means the system will automatically track how long a person stays in the EU, reducing the risk of errors or abuse.

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How will the new system work at the border?

The border control procedure will also change. Upon first entry into the Schengen Area, travelers will need to complete a full registration. The process is as follows:

1. First entry: passport scan and biometric data collection;

2. Data storage in the system;

3. Subsequent trips: quick check without re-registration.

Thus, in the long run, border crossings should become faster, but the first entry may take longer.

Who are the new rules applicable to?

The EES system applies to all citizens of countries outside the European Union. This means that Ukrainians without an EU residence permit are also subject to the new rules.

In fact, every short-term visit to the Schengen Area will be automatically recorded in the system.

In this context, it is especially important to prepare for your trip in advance: check your documents, length of stay, and other requirements. In particular, travel insurance remains a mandatory element for safe travel—you can purchase it online through Visit Ukraine, which helps avoid problems at the border and during your stay abroad.

We remind you! As of 2026, Ukrainian citizens can visit 149 countries worldwide without a visa or with a visa on arrival. Read about current visa-free travel rules, the list of required documents, requirements for traveling with children, as well as customs restrictions when crossing the Ukrainian border.

Photo: alg757 / Freepik

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Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

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