Spain Joins France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, and Others to Introduce New Travel Changes as Europe Moves Towards Fully Digital Borders in 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 11, 2025

Spain joins France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, and others in introducing new travel changes as Europe moves towards fully digital borders by 2026, enhancing security and streamlining entry processes. This transformation is driven by the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will require non-EU nationals to provide biometric data and pre-travel security information. These changes are aimed at improving border control efficiency, reducing fraud, and ensuring better tracking of travelers. As Spain adopts these systems, travelers can expect quicker, more secure, and seamless border experiences. Here’s everything you need to know about how these changes will affect travel across Europe.

Germany: Leading the Way in Digital Borders

Germany, as a key participant in both the Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), is paving the path for digital border control. Non-EU travelers, including those from the US and UK, will experience smoother border processes, such as biometric data collection (fingerprints and facial recognition) upon their first entry. As a top destination for business, tourism, and study, Germany’s swift adoption of these systems will enhance security while making border crossing faster and more efficient. With full implementation expected by April 2026, travelers can expect seamless entry and exit experiences across Germany’s bustling airports and borders.

France: Revolutionizing Border Security

France is fully embracing the European digital border initiative, integrating the EES and ETIAS systems to improve both security and efficiency. Non-EU nationals, including popular visa-exempt countries like the US and UK, will undergo biometric checks during their first entry into the country. France’s pivotal role in the Schengen Area means that millions of travelers will experience smoother transitions between countries. With France being a hub for culture, business, and tourism, these systems will not only enhance security but will also facilitate faster passage for travelers. Expect complete EES implementation by 2026, creating a more streamlined border experience.

Spain: A More Secure Welcome

Spain is joining the wave of digital border transformations with the introduction of the EES and ETIAS systems. The country’s welcoming culture, combined with its popularity as a vacation destination, will benefit from these new security measures. Non-EU visitors, such as those from the US or Australia, will need to undergo biometric registration during their first entry, which will allow for quick, frictionless future visits. As Spain prepares for full EES implementation by April 2026, travelers can expect a much more efficient process while still maintaining high security standards.

Italy: Enhancing Travel Efficiency

Italy, renowned for its art, history, and vibrant tourism sector, is embracing the EES and ETIAS systems to streamline entry for non-EU travelers. The EES will allow travelers from countries like the US and Canada to bypass the traditional passport stamp, moving to biometric checks such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning. By the end of 2026, travelers will need to secure ETIAS approval before departing for Italy, ensuring a safer, more organized entry system. This shift aims to provide tourists and business travelers with a smoother and more secure experience across Italy’s borders.

Netherlands: Paving the Path for Digital Travel

The Netherlands is actively preparing for the digital border revolution with the implementation of the EES and ETIAS systems. Known for its open culture and as a travel hub in Europe, the country’s airports and borders will be among the first to fully integrate these systems by 2026. Non-EU nationals, including travelers from countries like the US and the UK, will need to undergo biometric registration on their first visit. Subsequent entries will be faster, with easy biometric verification. This initiative will help the Netherlands strike a balance between facilitating tourism and enhancing border security.

Belgium: A Smart and Safe Border System

Belgium is at the forefront of the digital border transition, with both the EES and ETIAS systems set to be fully operational by 2026. Belgium’s central location in Europe and its role as the headquarters of major EU institutions make it a high-traffic destination for business travelers and tourists alike. Under the new system, travelers from non-EU countries, including the US and Canada, will register their biometric details on their first visit, making future entries quicker and more secure. By adopting these advanced systems, Belgium is ensuring that its borders remain secure while offering a streamlined experience for travelers.

Navigating Europe’s New Digital Border Systems: What You Need to Know

In an effort to modernize border security and streamline travel, Europe is implementing the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Starting in 2026, non-EU nationals will experience a completely digital process for entering and exiting the continent. The EES will collect biometric data (fingerprints and facial recognition) from travelers upon their first entry, which will then be used for quicker verifications in the future. Meanwhile, the ETIAS will be a pre-travel authorization, similar to the US ESTA, for visa-exempt travelers to screen for potential security or migration risks before departure. These systems will apply across 29 European countries, providing more accurate tracking of travelers, faster border processes, and better security. Here’s a breakdown of key points to remember:

Spain joins France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, and others in introducing new travel changes as Europe moves towards fully digital borders by 2026, enhancing security and streamlining entry processes.

Conclusion

Spain is now joining France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, and other countries in embracing new travel changes as Europe moves towards fully digital borders by 2026. These advancements are set to enhance security, streamline the entry process, and improve overall efficiency for non-EU travelers. As each country adopts the Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), travelers will experience smoother and more secure border crossings. With these changes, the European Union aims to modernize its border management and provide a safer, more organized travel experience for millions of visitors.