Schengen: what has changed for travellers

Entry rules for the Schengen countries are changing step by step, and some of the changes already affect how trips are planned.

Biometrics at the border

The system records fingerprints and a photograph on first entry. The first crossing takes longer; later ones are quicker, and the data is kept for several years.

Timing

Book your appointment early: in season the slots are taken a month ahead. We help assemble the document pack and point out exactly what to check before you submit it.