Albania among 10 European nations without EES for 2026

Albania is among ten European countries that will not implement the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for the 2026 holiday season. Because Albania is not part of the Schengen Area, it is not required to adopt this new biometric data system.

The EES requires travelers to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and facial images, during their first entry into Schengen Area countries. The implementation of this system has faced challenges, including airport staff shortages and technical difficulties, which have led to long queues and delays of up to five hours at certain border points.

As an alternative to destinations like Greece or Croatia, Albania has emerged as an affordable option for travelers, particularly due to the popularity of the Albanian Riviera.