The EU is replacing passport stamping: with the Entry/Exit System (EES), entries to and exits from the Schengen Area’s external borders will in future be recorded digitally—including biometric data. As of today, the test phase has begun in Innsbruck in order to prepare for the upcoming winter season.
The European Union is gradually introducing the Entry/Exit System (EES) by 9 April 2026. This modern, automated IT system records entries and exits at the Schengen external borders, capturing biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images, and will replace the previous practice of stamping passports. The system applies to travellers from third countries planning a short stay of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area. For Innsbruck Airport, which welcomes a high proportion of British winter guests, the EES is of particular importance.
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Launch in Innsbruck
At Innsbruck, Austria’s third-largest commercial airport after Vienna and Salzburg, the Entry/Exit System (EES) has officially been in place since 19 November. As of today, the test phase is now underway. Over the coming weeks, operational and technical experience will be gathered to ensure that the phased introduction of the EES can be completed by April 2026.
As longer processing times than previously can be expected for non-Schengen travellers, additional border control checkpoints will be set up at Innsbruck Airport for both entry and exit procedures.
“The EES presents a major challenge for the airport during the winter season. However, we are confident that the system will run smoothly once the initial phase has passed. Cooperation with the authorities is working very well,” says Innsbruck Airport Managing Director Marco Pernetta.
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Who is affected?
From 12 October 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will apply to all travellers who: are third-country nationals (not holding an EU, EEA or Swiss passport), plan a short stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the 29 Schengen states, and either hold a short-stay visa (Visa C) or are exempt from visa requirements.
Further information on the EES can be found at