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The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) officially comes into force today, introducing stricter border procedures for non‑EU nationals and replacing the traditional passport stamp with digital biometric registration.
According to the European Commission, the system collects significantly more data than before, aiming to strengthen the fight against crime and terrorism. At all external borders of 25 EU member states — including Austria — as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, travelers will now have their fingerprints and facial images recorded upon entry and exit.
Ireland and Cyprus remain the only EU countries not applying the new rules, as they are not part of the Schengen Area.
Gradual Rollout Since 2025 — But Technical Issues Persist
Member states have been phasing in the system since October 2025. However, the Commission acknowledged that some countries are still experiencing technical difficulties.
Since the rollout began, approximately 27,000 travelers have been denied entry across the Schengen Area. More than 700 individuals have been flagged as security risks through the new system. EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Brunner called the digital border checks “a major milestone for the protection of Europe’s external borders.”
Airlines Warn of Delays, Truck Drivers Protest
Airlines and airport operators have repeatedly cautioned that the new procedures could lead to longer waiting times and operational disruptions. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary recently urged in The Times that the system should be postponed until after the summer travel season to avoid chaos during peak months.
Earlier this year, truck drivers from several Southeast European countries staged border blockades to protest the stricter enforcement of EU residency and entry rules. They argued that the new requirements are incompatible with the realities of their profession.
- source: oe24.at/picture: pixabay.com
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