Belgian-Macedonian Business Club

The new Entry/Exist System should launch on October 12th, with a full implementation by April 10, 2026. Travelers will be required to provide data (for the first time, this data will include their biometric information, such as fingerprints and facial scans), as well as their passport and other travel information, including their arrival and departure dates and places. It will apply to non-EU nationals traveling to a participating European country.

While one of the aims of the new system is to reduce queues at borders by making the checks more efficient, travelers fear that the implementation of the EES will actually increase waiting times.

Passengers will have to navigate the new scanning technology, which is being installed at all international crossings (land, sea and air) in the Schengen Area.

Meanwhile, the cross-Channel high-speed train service Eurostar has already taken precautions to counter expected delays by allowing passengers to board trains earlier (30 minutes before departure), and planning to double the number of border staff and manual booths.

Travelers from the Western Balkans are already used to several hours of waiting time at the EU border. More patience will be required at least in the first time till everyone gets used to the system.

After the EES is introduced, it will be followed by the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in late 2026. However, there will be a transition period of at least six months – meaning it will not be compulsory until 2027.

Travelers from 60 non-EU countries will need to comply with the ETIAS. It will require non-EU travellers who do not need a visa to get authorisation before entering the Schengen Area by completing an online application, providing personal details, answering security questions, and paying a €20 fee.

See the full article at The Brussels Time