Moroccans travelling to Europe for short stays could face longer border checks from Monday 7 September 2026. A transitional measure that allowed states to temporarily suspend some biometric operations in case of heavy congestion is due to end.
Fingerprints, facial photographs and the recording of personal data are now part of the checks required under the new European Entry/Exit System.
EES: Biometric checks become the norm
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is designed to electronically record the entry and exit of nationals of non-EU countries who travel to the Schengen Area for short stays.
Travellers covered by the scheme will no longer just receive a simple passport stamp. The system records their personal data as well as biometric information.
Fingerprints and a facial photograph are among the data used by the new system.
Moroccans in Europe: why queues could get longer
Since the gradual roll-out of the EES, European states have had tools to manage congestion at their borders.
When the number of travellers becomes too high, border authorities can apply temporary measures to speed up checks.
This flexibility is set to end with the close of the transition period.
Biometric checks will then have to be carried out according to the full procedures laid down by the system. During busy travel periods, this process can take longer than a traditional passport control.
Fingerprints and photo: which data will be recorded?
For Moroccan travellers subject to the EES, crossing the border will involve a more detailed registration.
The system collects the information contained in the travel document and records the date and place of each entry and exit.
Biometric data are also used. These include a facial photograph and fingerprints, in line with the procedures defined by the system.
The aim is to strengthen checks at the external borders of the Schengen Area and to better detect overstays beyond the authorised length of stay.
EES and Moroccans travelling to Europe: who is affected?
The system applies to nationals of non-EU countries travelling to European countries that use the EES for short stays.
Moroccan citizens are therefore covered when they travel within the area where the system is in force.
Travellers holding a short-stay Schengen visa may be registered in the system when crossing the external border.
People who hold a residence permit or certain categories of long-stay visas are subject to different rules.
A transition period now coming to an end
The EES has been rolled out gradually to allow states and border infrastructures to adapt.
This phase made it possible to test the new procedures and adjust checks in response to peaks in traffic.
With the end of these transitional measures, authorities will have to apply the biometric procedures required by the EES more systematically.
For Moroccan travellers, this mainly means planning for extra time when crossing borders.
What should Moroccan travellers expect?
Travellers flying, taking a ferry or crossing a land border should anticipate potentially longer queues.
They are advised to arrive early at the airport or port. Travellers should also keep their travel documents easily accessible.
Biometric registration does not mean that a new visa application is required for every trip. The system mainly affects how authorities record and check entries and exits.
EES: a new habit for trips to Europe
For Moroccans travelling to Europe, border crossings will gradually change.
Traditional passport stamping is giving way to a digital system that combines personal and biometric data.
From 7 September onwards, the end of temporary congestion-management mechanisms could make checks longer during peak travel times.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, travellers are strongly advised to allow extra time when crossing European borders.
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