EU Deploys New Biometric Entry/Exit System: What Non-EU Travelers Must Know
From October 12, biometric checks begin across Schengen borders ahead of full rollout by April 2026
From Sunday, October 12, 2025, the European Union will begin phasing in a new biometric border control regime known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), affecting all non-EU citizens—including British travellers—entering or leaving the Schengen Area.
This long-anticipated system replaces manual passport stamping with digital registration of personal data, facial images, and fingerprints.
On arrival, first-time non-EU entrants will scan their passports and enrol biometric identifiers.
Their date, place of entry, and document type will be recorded digitally.
Upon exit, or in subsequent visits, only facial verification (and passport checks) will typically be required.
Children under age 12 will not be fingerprinted, though they must be photographed and included in the system.
The rollout will be staggered through April 10, 2026, by which date EES must operate at all external Schengen border crossings—airports, ports, rail and road crossings alike.
Until full deployment, passport stamping may continue in some locations.
At UK exit points such as Dover, Folkestone and the Eurotunnel terminal, French border officials will oversee the EES registration.
Initially, only freight and coach passengers will be processed under the new rules; passengers in cars at Dover will undergo checks starting in November, with Eurotunnel vehicle registration expected by the end of 2025.
Authorities stress that the phased introduction is designed to prevent congestion, and allow temporary suspension of checks if necessary.
Nonetheless, the UK government has advised travellers to allow extra time at border crossings, particularly during peak travel periods.
The port and transport sector have voiced concern that delays could ripple into trade flows, especially across the so-called Short Straits sea crossings.
EES aims to modernise border management by tracking compliance with the 90-day stay limit over any 180-day period, combating identity fraud, and detecting overstayers.
The system is built to integrate personal biometric data with movement records while respecting data protection standards.
Looking ahead, EES serves as the foundation for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), scheduled to launch in late 2026.
Under ETIAS, non-Schengen travellers will be required to apply for pre-travel authorization and pay a €20 fee, valid for three years or until passport expiration.
The phased EES launch will be a key test of the EU’s capacity to modernise mobility while ensuring security and efficiency.
This long-anticipated system replaces manual passport stamping with digital registration of personal data, facial images, and fingerprints.
On arrival, first-time non-EU entrants will scan their passports and enrol biometric identifiers.
Their date, place of entry, and document type will be recorded digitally.
Upon exit, or in subsequent visits, only facial verification (and passport checks) will typically be required.
Children under age 12 will not be fingerprinted, though they must be photographed and included in the system.
The rollout will be staggered through April 10, 2026, by which date EES must operate at all external Schengen border crossings—airports, ports, rail and road crossings alike.
Until full deployment, passport stamping may continue in some locations.
At UK exit points such as Dover, Folkestone and the Eurotunnel terminal, French border officials will oversee the EES registration.
Initially, only freight and coach passengers will be processed under the new rules; passengers in cars at Dover will undergo checks starting in November, with Eurotunnel vehicle registration expected by the end of 2025.
Authorities stress that the phased introduction is designed to prevent congestion, and allow temporary suspension of checks if necessary.
Nonetheless, the UK government has advised travellers to allow extra time at border crossings, particularly during peak travel periods.
The port and transport sector have voiced concern that delays could ripple into trade flows, especially across the so-called Short Straits sea crossings.
EES aims to modernise border management by tracking compliance with the 90-day stay limit over any 180-day period, combating identity fraud, and detecting overstayers.
The system is built to integrate personal biometric data with movement records while respecting data protection standards.
Looking ahead, EES serves as the foundation for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), scheduled to launch in late 2026.
Under ETIAS, non-Schengen travellers will be required to apply for pre-travel authorization and pay a €20 fee, valid for three years or until passport expiration.
The phased EES launch will be a key test of the EU’s capacity to modernise mobility while ensuring security and efficiency.
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