The European Union’s Entry/Exit system enters fully into force across the entire Schengen area on Friday 10 April, marking the culmination of a legislative project adopted in 2017.
This automated control system replaces the manual stamping of passports for third-country nationals. Thanks to biometric verification (facial photograph and fingerprints) and the digitalisation of travel documents, it aims to modernise external border management and combat illegal immigration and organised crime more effectively.
Since the pilot phase started on 12 October 2025, the EES has already recorded 45 million crossings and identified 600 individuals posing a threat to EU security, according to the European Commission on Thursday 9 April. A total of 24,000 refusals of entry were issued during this period.
In light of persistent technical difficulties in certain Member States, the Commission has confirmed that flexibilities will be granted to ensure smooth border operations. Consequently, until next September, national authorities will be authorised to partially suspend the collection of biometric data in cases of excessive waiting times. This is a crucial measure ahead of the summer peak, and partly in response to concerns expressed by the airline industry in early February (see EUROPE 13805/20). Currently, the average check-in time is estimated at 70 seconds per passenger. (Original version in French by Justine Manaud)