Digital tracking replaces passport stamps for 29 Schengen countries

The Schengen Area’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully in force across 29 countries, including Switzerland. It replaced manual passport stamps on April 10, 2026 and records non-EU nationals’ passport data, facial images and four fingerprints at external borders.

The system automatically tracks time spent in Schengen and flags people who go past the 90/180-day limit. Officials said it has already logged more than 52 million crossings since its phased rollout began in October 2025.

Who feels the change most

Visa-exempt visitors, short-stay visa holders, digital nomads and temporary expats are the main groups affected. Long-stay visa holders, residence permit holders and EU citizens are exempt.

For nomads, the big change is simple: stays now get counted digitally, with less room for border-stamp errors. Swiss airports in Zurich and Geneva reported longer queues in mid-April as travelers adjusted to the new checks.

What travelers should do next

First-time entrants should expect biometrics at a kiosk or border desk, with faster processing on later trips once their data is in the system. There’s no EES fee or pre-registration, but airlines may check status before boarding.

Travelers who split time between Schengen and non-Schengen countries, such as the U.K. or the Balkans, should keep close track of their days. Check our country guides for destination-specific details and visa updates.