Schengen — the EES is live: fingerprints and a photo at the border, no more stamps
The EU Entry/Exit System has been fully operational since 10 April 2026. It does not change who needs a visa — but every non-EU traveller now has fingerprints and a facial image registered at the border on first entry, and passports are no longer stamped. Expect longer queues on your first crossing. Ireland does not take part: entering Ireland directly, the EES does not apply. Not to be confused with ETIAS, which is a separate thing and is not live yet.