The procedure for entering the European Schengen zone has changed. What will visitors have to do, we tell you?

Muhammad Iqbal, Daily Dawn, Dawn TV

Brussels: The procedure for non-Europeans to enter the countries included in the European Schengen bloc is changing from Sunday, and the long-pending biometric entry check system is starting to work.
According to the British news agency Reuters, citizens of other countries, including British citizens, will not be able to enter the countries included in the European bloc without going through the new system.

The EEIS (Entry-Exit System) will now be required for all those coming who do not belong to the countries included in the bloc.

Before visitors enter the Schengen borders for the first time, it will be necessary to include fingerprints and facial images in addition to registering personal information.

However, it will not include Ireland, Cyprus, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or Liechtenstein.
The data collection system will be introduced at borders in stages, but will be fully implemented from April 10, 2026. The EU hopes that this will eliminate long queues at its borders.
Why are these changes being made?
The new electronic system will replace the need to manually stamp passports at the border, replacing them with a digital record that will link travel documents to the visitor’s identity through biometrics.
The EU wants to modernise its border management systems to prevent illegal entry, identity fraud and overstayers.
This will allow travellers to the bloc to see whether they are travelling without a visa or have overstayed.