Nautilus is reminding members that a new biometric entry/exit system (ESS) will begin on 12 October for non-EU citizens travelling to the Schengen Area.
The new system will replace manual passport-stamping, and will be introduced gradually by countries using the EES at their external borders. It affects those on short stay visas, or from visa-exempt non-EU countries such as the UK.
Crew arriving in the Schengen Area for the first time after the introduction of the system will be required to register their fingerprints and have a photograph taken to create a digital record.
When the system is first introduced, travellers will not need to take any action before arriving at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. It may take a few minutes extra to complete the process on your first visit.
However, in 2026, the EU is expected to start operation of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will involve completing some paperwork ahead of your journey.
The Schengen Area covers 29 European countries which allow passport-free travel between them. The countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are not within the Schengen area, and therefore EES is not applicable when travelling to either of these countries.
Further information for UK citizens is available here.
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