British News Agency

The system now requires all visitors from outside the EU to register their fingerprints and facial images when entering Europe’s passport-free zone.

This new EU-wide biometric database will gradually replace manual passport stamping and allow the digital tracking of travelers’ movements across 29 countries. The system is expected to be fully operational by April 10, 2026.

Under the new system, travelers from outside the EU and the Schengen Area must, upon their first arrival, scan their passports, provide fingerprints, and have their facial photos taken.

This data will be stored for three years and linked to a digital record associated with each traveler’s identity and passport.

Children under 12 must also be registered but are only required to provide a photo. There is no fee for EES registration.

The European Commission said the system aims to “modernize border management, strengthen security, and identify overstayers,” automatically tracking the 90-day visa-free limit within a 180-day period.

It also replaces manual passport stamping, which critics have long described as slow and error-prone.