EU Entry/Exit System biometric border controls go live 9 April

The EU’s Entry/Exit System biometric border controls become mandatory at all Schengen external borders from 9 April 2026. ETIAS pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals is expected to follow in Q4 2026.

Digital nomads on short stays should factor in potential border delays during the transition period, particularly at busy airports and land crossings. Non-EU passport holders entering the Schengen zone will have fingerprints and facial images recorded.