Highlights/ Quick Summary

• The Entry/Exit System (EES) started rolling out from 12 October     2025 — passport stamping is being replaced with digital biometric border     control.
• By April 2026, EES will be fully operational at all external     Schengen border points.
• The traditional visa sticker is being phased out: future visas will     come as a secure digital barcode.
• For Indian travellers, this means a faster, safer, and more     streamlined Schengen travel process — but also stricter biometric and     documentation norms.
• You’ll still need a Schengen visa for entry; the change affects     border control and visa issuance process, not eligibility rules.

What’s Changing: Digital Borders & DigitalVisas Explained

EES(Entry/Exit System) – Digital Border Control

• From 12 Oct 2025, the EU began rolling out EES, a system to     digitally record entries and exits of all non-EU travellers for short     stays.
• Under EES, when you first enter a Schengen country you'll be     required to scan your passport, provide biometric data (fingerprints +     facial image), and your entry will be electronically logged.
• On exit, the same will be recorded — eliminating manual passport     stamping completely once full roll-out completes by ~10 April 2026.
• For repeat visits (within validity period), border checks will be     faster — the system matches fingerprints/face with stored data.

Digital Schengen Visas (No More Stickers)

• The EU is also digitalising the visa process: visa applicants will     use a centralised online platform to submit documents, pay fees, and track     their application.
• Once approved, instead of a traditional sticker, you'll receive a secure     digital visa — often in the form of a 2D-barcode linked to your     passport and visa data.
• This removes the need for physical visa sticker collection and     reduces risk of visa sticker forgery or loss.
• First-time applicants or those requiring biometrics may still need     to visit visa-application centres — but repeat visa renewals may become     smoother.

What This Means for Indian Travellers

• Faster border processing & streamlined travel — no stamping; border checks become digital and quicker if     biometric data is on file.
• Less paperwork, more convenience —     visa application, fee payment, and visa status tracking become fully     digital and can be done online.
• Better security & lower fraud risk — digital visas + biometric border checks reduce chances of forged     visas or identity fraud.
• Need for biometric compliance —     first Schengen trip post-2025 will require photo + fingerprints at border     / visa-centre; plan for a few extra minutes at entry points.
• No change to visa requirements — you     still need a valid Schengen visa for travel, insurance, funds proof,     itinerary, etc. The change is procedural, not eligibility-based.
• Keep documents and passport valid —     digital visa is linked to passport; make sure passport validity, travel     insurance, finances, itinerary are all in order.

What You Need to Do Before Travelling

What to Check / Do

Valid passport & visa (now digital barcode-based)

Travel insurance (as before)

Biometric data readiness — first visit will require fingerprint +  photo scan

Clear travel itinerary, funds proof, accommodation proof, etc.

Upload all visa documents online via the EU visa platform (when  accepted)

On arrival: allow time for biometric registration at border entry

How Winny Immigration Can Help You

We’ll help you prepare all documents, complete online applications, and ensure forms meet EU standards.

• Biometric compliance     guidance — We’ll guide you on what to expect at visa-centre / border     and help select slots (if first-time biometric needed).
• Pre-travel checklist     & submission review — We check that insurance, funds proof,     itinerary, passport validity, and digital visa readiness are all in order.
• Post-approval support     & travel planning — Once visa is approved, we provide tips to     avoid common errors, help plan entry dates, exit planning to comply with     90/180-day rules.
• Up-to-date info &     guidance — As Schengen rules evolve, we keep you updated — so you     never get caught off guard.

Conclusion

The digitalisation of Schengen visa and border control through EES marks a big leap for Indian travellers — making European travel more secure, faster, and easier than ever. As long as you’re prepared for biometric checks and follow documentation rules, the new system promises a smoother entry-exit experience, less paperwork, and more peace of mind.

With Winny Immigration by your side, you can navigate these changes confidently — from application to arrival. Safe travels!

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