The EES system is now fully operational in the EU: this could make travel more difficult, particularly for Ukrainians

Europe is saying goodbye to passport stamps! With the launch of the EES digital system, Schengen entry rules have changed dramatically. The mandatory submission of fingerprints and photos now risks leaving tourists stuck in hours-long lines at the border. Find out who is exempt from biometric requirements and how to avoid missing your flight

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On Friday, April 10, the European Union officially launched a new digital border system. This innovation directly affects citizens of countries outside the EU and the Schengen Area, including Ukrainians. The era of traditional passport stamps is gradually becoming a thing of the past, giving way to mandatory biometric registration, which may initially significantly complicate travel logistics.

What is the EES system

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a modern digital database created to track the entry and exit of third-country nationals into the territory of the 29 Schengen Area countries. These include popular tourist destinations such as France, Italy, Spain, and Greece.

According to European officials, the main goal of this initiative is to modernize border controls, combat document fraud, and identify individuals who pose a security threat at an early stage. The system has already proven its effectiveness: even during the testing phase, over 24,000 people were denied entry due to document issues, and more than 600 travelers were identified as potentially dangerous.

New EU Entry Rules for Ukrainians in 2026

Now, simply presenting a biometric passport is no longer sufficient to cross the border. Upon their first entry into the Schengen Area after the system’s launch, every traveler is required to provide fingerprints and have a digital facial photograph taken.

The procedure is carried out directly at border crossing points—both at airports and at land borders when traveling by car or train. All collected biometric data will be securely stored in a database for three years. This means that during subsequent trips within this period, you won’t have to provide fingerprints again—the system will automatically verify your identity against existing data.

Who is exempt from providing biometric data at the border

The new rules primarily apply to those making short-term trips. If you are traveling as a tourist, on a business trip, or to visit relatives and plan to stay in the EU for no more than 90 days within a six-month period, registration in the EES is mandatory for you.

However, there are exceptions to the rules. Citizens of EU countries and the Schengen Area itself, as well as residents of microstates (Monaco, Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City), are exempt from biometric checks. Holders of long-term Category D visas and individuals with a valid residence permit in European countries are also fully exempt from registration. It is important to note that if your route passes through Ireland or Cyprus, document checks there are still conducted using the old system, as these countries are not yet connected to the new network.

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Queues at the EU border

Attempts to roll out the system in phases began as early as last October, but due to technical glitches, the process has been uneven. Experts from the industry associations ACI Europe and Airlines for Europe openly warn that delays are inevitable during the first months of the system’s full operation.

Since the equipment is not yet operating stably everywhere, processing each passenger takes longer. During peak periods, especially at the height of the tourist season, wait times at passport control can reach two hours or more. It is worth noting that some major hubs, such as the airports in Milan and Lisbon, have temporarily postponed full implementation due to infrastructure readiness issues. The European Commission has already allowed for the possibility of temporarily easing checks during peak hours until September to avoid a collapse.

Tip for travelers: Starting April 10, when planning a departure from a European airport or crossing a land border, allow at least 1.5–2 hours more than usual for security checks. This will save you from stress and the risk of missing your flight.

ETIAS System: When Will Paid Entry to the EU Be Introduced

The introduction of the EES is just the first step in the digitalization of European borders. At the same time, the European Union is preparing to launch the ETIAS system (European Travel Information and Authorization System).

This will be a special electronic entry authorization, mandatory for citizens of visa-waiver countries. You will need to apply for it online before your trip begins. The exact launch date has not yet been confirmed, but the system is expected to go live no earlier than the end of 2026. The cost of this authorization will be 20 euros, and it will be valid for three years. For minor travelers (under 18) and seniors (over 70), obtaining the document will be mandatory but completely free of charge.

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.

Reminder! Ukrainians in the EU will have to switch from temporary protection to a residence permit in the near future. Find out what the 5 most common mistakes are and how to avoid them so you don’t lose your status.

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