Will Entry to the Schengen Area Become Stricter?
Will Entry to the Schengen Area Become Stricter? – INTERVIEW
“Travel rules to European countries are tightening,” “Entry to Schengen countries will become more difficult,” “There will be problems obtaining visas”… Since the European Union began fully implementing the Entry/Exit System (EES), concerns like these have been widely discussed on social media. The new system introduces significant changes to border procedures for citizens of non-EU countries, raising certain concerns among travelers. Although the system formally entered into force on October 12, 2025, its full implementation began on April 10, 2026.
In our interview with tourism specialist Günel Shikhiyeva, we aimed to clarify the key questions surrounding this topic. By Tarana Maharramova
“The goal is to strengthen border security”
-What are the main changes in entry and exit procedures to Schengen countries?
-The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital system that manages border crossings. Compared to the previous model, it enables more transparent and efficient control. Previously, border checks were largely manual, monitoring was limited, and it was difficult to track overstays. The new system eliminates these gaps through full automation.
In particular, compliance with the 90/180-day rule is now monitored more accurately and in real time. This helps prevent irregular stays and strengthens overall border security.
One of the most notable changes is the abolition of passport stamping. Instead, all entry and exit data is recorded digitally. During the first entry, biometric data—including fingerprints and facial recognition (facial image capture)—as well as passport details are collected. On subsequent entries, only a rapid verification is required.
The system automatically tracks the 90/180-day rule and stores data for up to three years. This makes border control faster and more efficient while preventing overstays.
The implementation of EES will contribute to more effective management of migration flows and reduce security risks within the European Union.
-How is biometric data collected?
-Under the EES framework, biometric data is collected at border checkpoints through automated kiosks or by border officers. The data includes fingerprints and facial images. For children under the age of 12, simplified procedures apply: only a photograph is required, and fingerprints are not taken.
–What is the ETIAS system?
-ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a travel authorization system planned to be introduced at the end of 2026. It will apply to citizens of countries that currently enjoy visa-free travel to the EU, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. This system does not apply to Azerbaijani citizens.
“The likelihood of visa refusals may increase”
-Will these systems make entry into the Schengen area more difficult or easier for tourists?
-In the long term, once fully implemented, border crossings will become faster and queues will decrease. However, in the short term, some delays may occur at airports due to the transition period. Overall, the system is designed to make border crossings more efficient.
-Will the new system affect Azerbaijani citizens?
-The EES and ETIAS systems do not change visa requirements for Azerbaijani citizens, but border control will become stricter and more precise. A Schengen visa will still be required, but document checks will be more thorough and travel plans will be analyzed in greater detail.
The likelihood of visa refusals may increase due to overstays or previous violations recorded in the system. For first-time applicants, financial proof, employment certificates, and proof of return will be scrutinized more carefully.
Common mistakes include fake or incorrect bookings, inconsistent travel dates, weak financial evidence, inaccurate employment information, lack of proper insurance, and unrealistic travel plans.
According to the new rules, the first entry with a Schengen visa must be made through the country that issued the visa. This is one of the key points travelers should pay attention to.
“A certain tightening is expected”
-What other changes can we expect in the coming years?
-The EU will continue to digitalize border control. By the end of 2026, ETIAS is expected to be fully implemented, requiring visa-exempt travelers to obtain prior electronic authorization.
Additionally, the full digital tracking of all entries and exits will be further strengthened.
-Can we say that entry into the Schengen area will become stricter?
- Yes, to some extent, stricter measures are expected. With the EES system, biometric control, automatic monitoring of the 90/180-day rule, and database checks will become mandatory. This means tighter border control overall.
-What impact will this have on tourism?
-As mentioned, there may be delays and an adjustment period at airports initially. In the long term, however, the system will make tourism safer, more transparent, and better managed. This will help stabilize travel flows.
Importantly, the requirement to enter through the country that issued the visa will make applications more transparent and systematic. As a result, the workload on consulates will decrease, appointment scheduling will improve, and the overall visa process will become more organized and transparent. This will contribute positively to the development of the tourism sector.
By Tarana Maharramova
Azerbaijan
Opino que la implantación del espacio Schengen en su momento fue precisamente para que los habitantes de los países comunitarios pudieran recorrer con libertad todos los territorios. Al final la libertad se ha convertido en un problema debido a las entradas de tantos inmigrantes descontrolados.
Hoy la implantación moderna de controles fronterizos no ha de ser ningún obstáculo en beneficio de más seguridad, aunque la adaptación comporte en principio algunos inconvenientes para el viajero .