Passport handling changes in the EU: what travellers need to know
From 12 October, the European Union’s new border registration system is being gradually rolled out, fundamentally changing entry procedures at Schengen borders. With the introduction of the system, traditional passport stamps will disappear—at least for non-EU citizens.
What changes at the passport control?
In practice, this means that when someone enters or exits a Schengen border, the electronic system automatically checks biometric data, InfoStart reports. For example, the system identifies the traveller, verifies the validity of their passport, and checks whether their length of stay complies with regulations. Zoltán Gálik, an associate professor at Corvinus University, told InfoRádió: “The new system provides a much more centralised process for member states when handling entries and exits.”
The new border registration primarily affects non-EU citizens. Citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland will still be able to cross Schengen borders without checks. Exceptions also apply to Cyprus and Ireland, where EU citizens’ passports will continue to be stamped, Pénzcentrum reports.
What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area is a zone within the EU and several non-EU countries where internal border controls have been abolished. Citizens can travel freely between member states, while external borders are jointly monitored. Hungary has been part of the zone since 2007.
What should travellers expect?
The system is being gradually introduced at the EU’s external borders, depending on each member state’s technical readiness and administrative environment. It is expected to be fully operational everywhere by the end of the first quarter of 2026. According to Zoltán Gálik, the new system may initially slow down border crossings, but in the long term, it could even operate automatically without human intervention.
The new border registration system will ultimately make travel simpler and safer, but in the first few months, travellers—especially non-EU citizens—are advised to allow extra time when crossing the border.
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AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Guys, don’t bother with visas, passports, and all that nonsense. Just fly to Tunisia, enjoy a few days there (wonderful place), and then take the “Med Taxi” to southern Italy. Upon disembarking, tell the social workers (they dress like cops but don’t let that affect you – they’re totally harmless) that you want to claim asylum, and proceed to enjoy bountiful freebies–courtesy of the European taxpayers–for literally as long as you want.
We did not ask your personal storyline!
Says the “Stein”
Jeez this guy is so tiresome. The report could state that there’s a sunny day ahead and he’d respond with some asinine commentary nobody wanted to read.
Excuse Steiner guys, he has very little IQ level and alawy comments with nonesense.
Idiot Steiner understands only one language.