Europe is stepping into a new era of travel this week. Beginning October 12, Schengen countries will launch the long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital upgrade that replaces passport stamps with sleek biometric checks. Instead of queues and ink stamps, travellers will glide through border control with a quick scan of their passport, face, or fingerprints.
Originally announced in 2022 and delayed several times, the system aims to track the movements of non-EU visitors, including those from the UK and other visa-free nations. Every entry and exit will now be automatically logged- capturing dates, locations, and durations of stay and ensuring travellers stay within their 90-day limit. Once registered, repeat visits across the Schengen Zone promise to be faster and more seamless.
The digital shift doesn’t stop there. Schengen visas are going virtual too, replacing traditional stickers with barcode-based e-visas that can be scanned directly at immigration points. This rollout, beginning October 12, 2025, will continue until April 2026, when all 29 member states fully adopt the new system.
For Indian travellers applying for Swiss visas, VFS Global has clarified that only documents listed on the official checklist will be accepted, another step toward a smoother, smarter travel experience.
