Accordingly, Switzerland will deploy the entry-exit system (EES) from April 1, 2026, citizens of third countries entering and leaving the Schengen area through Swiss airports will be required to collect biometric data from photos and fingerprints.
Cases of exemption from biometric collection are specified in Article 20 of the Schengen Border Code and detailed in Appendix VII of this Code. In addition, the Swiss side also said that in the context of ongoing discussions at the European Union level, diplomatic and public passport holders are exempt from collecting biometric data until further notice.
For the United Kingdom, the country's immigration management system has some changes aimed at a completely digitalized system. Accordingly, the country will stop using paper visas for short-term visas.
Instead, inbound people need to create and use UKVI accounts to manage electronic visa information. At the same time, the United Kingdom is also implementing digital authentication forms to serve the exemption from entry controls.
In addition, procedures related to Electronic Travel Permit (ETA) and Entry Authentication (CoE) continue to be updated online. Passengers are also recommended to use a passport linked to e-visa and ensure that personal information is fully updated on the UKVI system to avoid problems when carrying out procedures.
These changes are assessed to enhance the efficiency of border management, while facilitating the control and storage of passenger data in the context of strong digital transformation in many European countries.
