The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now live, marking a new era of digital border control for the Schengen Area. Replacing traditional passport stamps, the EES captures fingerprints and facial scans at first entry, logging all data digitally. Non-EU travellers should also prepare for the ETIAS travel authorisation, expected in 2026.
While the high-tech upgrade promises faster future processing, early travellers may face longer queues, airport delays, and extra admin at busy hubs like Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, and Madrid.
“The EES isn’t a visa, but it is a new entry requirement,” Director of Comparetravelinsurance.com.au Natalie Ball said. “Arrive unprepared and you could face delays, miss connections, or even be refused entry.”
Ball highlights the ongoing importance of travel insurance: visa applicants must hold at least €30,000–€35,000 in medical coverage, including emergency care and repatriation. With digital border checks, documentation may now be scrutinised more closely.
She also cautions travellers that insurance generally won’t cover delays caused by underestimating processing times, though unexpected system outages could be claimable.
Top Tips for EES-Ready Travel
- Arrive early: Extra time at borders is essential.
- Check your documents: Ensure passports are valid and scannable.
- Secure travel insurance: Minimum $35,000 AUD medical coverage for Schengen visas.
- Prepare for first-entry scans: Fingerprint and facial capture may take longer.
- Understand your coverage: Missed connections from predictable delays may not be covered.
Know Your Entry Rules
- ETIAS: Pre-travel approval for Schengen arrivals (launch late 2026).
- UK ETA: Mandatory pre-travel registration for the UK.
“As with any major tech upgrade, hiccups are expected,” Ball concludes. “Plan ahead, leave extra time, and don’t forget: digital borders don’t replace travel insurance or essential documents.”
