Quick update: Travellers entering or leaving Schengen countries may face longer processing times at some airports and border points because Europe’s Entry/Exit System records non-EU short-stay travellers digitally instead of relying on passport stamps.
What travellers should know
The Entry/Exit System records information such as travel document data, entry and exit dates, border crossing points and biometric data for many non-EU short-stay travellers. The intention is to improve border management and track the 90/180-day short-stay rule more accurately.
For travellers, the practical effect is simple: first-time registration or busy peak-season arrivals can take longer at some border points. The delay will not be the same everywhere, but it is sensible to leave more airport connection time when entering the Schengen area.
Before you travel
- Arrive earlier for Europe flights during peak travel periods.
- Avoid tight self-transfer connections after first Schengen entry.
- Keep passport, accommodation, return/onward ticket and insurance details easy to access.
- Check whether your airport offers self-service kiosks or pre-registration steps.
- Count your Schengen days carefully if you travel often.
What this means for TripAdept readers
This is not a reason to avoid Europe. It is a planning detail. Build more time into arrivals, avoid risky connections, and treat passport-control time as part of the itinerary — especially for family trips, summer holidays and multi-country routes.
- European Commission — Entry/Exit System
- EU Travel Europe — EES for travellers
- European Commission — EES fully operational notice
TripAdept summaries are for planning support. Visa, entry and safety rules can change quickly, so use the official pages above before booking or travelling.
Useful TripAdept links to add next
For better internal linking, connect this update to the related destination guide, best time to visit, what to wear and entry requirement pages for Europe border checks once those pages are reviewed and published.