EU biometric borders drop in April
The EU will debut a biometric entry/exit system in April that will replace passport stamping for non‑EU nationals — a major change for travel logistics and border wait times across Europe []; several cities are also raising tourist taxes starting next month, so factor that into summer trip budgets [].
The EU’s phased roll‑out began on October 12, 2025 and is scheduled to reach full operation at every external border crossing on April 10, 2026 across 29 participating countries. (travel-europe.europa.eu) On first registration officials will capture a live facial image and four fingerprints; children under 12 are generally exempt from fingerprinting and travellers holding short‑stay visas typically have prints already stored in the Visa Information System (VIS). (schengenvisainfo.com) EES travel records are retained for three years from the date of last exit for compliant visitors, or for up to five years where an overstay is recorded. (autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl) Industry bodies have warned of teething problems: airlines and airports groups cite unresolved tech and staffing issues, reporting border checks taking roughly 70% longer and warning that queues of three to four hours are possible at peak hubs. (iata.org) The system will operate at airports, seaports, train terminals and road crossings, but Cyprus and Ireland are not participating in the EES regime. (travel-europe.europa.eu) Separately, Catalonia will double its overnight tourist levy from April 1, 2026 — short‑term rentals capped at €12.50 per night and hotel surcharges moving into a roughly €10–€15 band — while Venice is reinstating a weekend day‑tripper fee for weekends between April and July 2026. (travelpulse.ca)
