The new Entry/Exit System applies to third-country nationals entering and leaving the Schengen Area under European Union Regulation 2017/2226.
The original notice, published on 28 March, said implementation had begun progressively at European external borders on 12 October 2025, with application to all passengers in the relevant category scheduled for 30 March 2026.
The system registers personal and biometric details of third-country nationals travelling for short stays — up to 90 days within any 180-day period — each time they cross a Schengen country's external border.
It is designed to replace passport stamping. The biometric information collected includes fingerprints and a facial image.
The notice warned that the procedure could be time-consuming, particularly during initial implementation, and could significantly slow the flow of passengers through passport control.
Passengers were therefore asked to arrive at the airport at least two and a half hours before scheduled departure, allowing enough time for check-in, security and passport checks where required.
It also stressed that late arrival at the departure gate could result in denied boarding.
