Frequent Schengen travellers now face a more tightly recorded border regime. The EU Entry/Exit System began its phased launch on 12 October 2025 and became fully operational across participating Schengen external borders on 10 April 2026. It records entries, exits and refusals for most non-EU short-stay travellers, including UK nationals, using passport data, a facial image and fingerprints instead of routine passport stamping. The change does not alter the 90-days-in-any-180-days limit, but it makes overstays easier to identify.

What has launched, and what has not

The Entry/Exit System is live. ETIAS, the separate online travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, is not. The official EU timetable still says ETIAS is scheduled to start in the final quarter of 2026, with the exact date to be announced in advance. Applications are not being accepted, and the official fee will be €20.

Some reports say the disruption surrounding EES means the EU is expected to delay it into 2027. However, as of 22 July 2026, that is not the confirmed EU position. Travellers should plan around the published late-2026 timetable while watching the official ETIAS portal for an announcement.

Plan for the border

Airports and aviation bodies have reported substantial queues at some border points since full EES deployment, particularly during peak periods. First registration may take longer because border officials must create the traveller’s record and collect biometric information. Later journeys may be quicker because the data already exists, but normal border checks still apply.

Follow the timing advice issued by your airline, ferry operator, airport or port rather than relying on a universal arrival rule. Keep connections realistic, carry evidence of accommodation and onward or return travel where appropriate, and use the official EU short-stay calculator to check your remaining allowance.

Do not pay for ETIAS yet

There is currently no valid ETIAS application to submit. The EU says the official launch will be followed by a transitional period of at least 6 months and then a grace period lasting at least another 6 months. The precise arrangements will depend on the final commencement date. Any website claiming it can already secure an ETIAS approval should be treated cautiously.

When residence may be the better answer

A residence permit may be more suitable when repeated short visits are no longer enough. Holders of a residence permit or long-stay visa issued by a participating country are generally exempt from EES registration. Time spent under the permit is not included in the short-stay calculation, although visits to other Schengen countries normally remain subject to the 90/180-day limit.

Depending on your objectives and eligibility, options may include a Greece golden visa. Review the Greece golden visa requirements, associated cost guide and renewals guide before making plans. Other routes include the Portugal golden visa and Italy’s investor visa in 2026.

A Turkey citizenship by investment route serves a different objective and does not remove EES requirements for short Schengen visits. Compare the best golden visa in Europe, understand residency by investment and citizenship by investment, and review the EU citizenship by investment picture for 2026. 

Travellers who regularly approach the 90-day limit should review their calendar before autumn rather than relying on old passport stamps. Book a consultation with Coates Global to assess whether a residence or citizenship route fits your travel plans.