Europe’s new biometric border checks are set to come into force from this weekend.
The Entry/Exit System (EES), due to be launched on October 12, will aim to make going through airport checks faster.
But what does this mean for you and your travels?
Here’s everything you need to know about the new rules…
The system is designed to replace manual passport stamping for non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders, entering the Schengen Area.
Visitors from 29 countries, including 25 in the EU, plus Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland – will soon enter using the new system.
Ireland and Cyprus will continue with manual processing of passports for incoming passengers. The UK is not part of the Schengen area.
The EU’s official website says: ‘The EES will gradually replace passport stamps with a digital system that records when travellers enter and exit, making border checks faster and helping staff to work more efficiently.’
Europe’s new biometric border checks are set to come into force from this weekend
The system aims to crack down on crime and enforce the 90-day stay limit, which applies to British travellers and other third-country nationals, within any 180-day period.
It will collect and collate data from passengers when they enter or leave at an external Schengen border: this includes international airports, sea ports, railway stations and road crossings.
British travellers will need to register on their first visit to a participating country after EES is introduced. This registration is valid for a rolling three-year period or until the passport expires.
On the first crossing, it will save a digital record of the passenger’s face and fingerprints, as well as personal data. On future crossings, data will be checked against this record.
The majority of travellers will register on kiosks at borders. You will need to place the photo page of your passport on scanners, and then follow the instructions. From the first crossing onwards, you’ll either use a kiosk or eGate to get through.
Children under 12 will need to be registered under EES but will just have their photograph taken. Travellers do not have to pay for EES.
Travellers may be asked for a return ticket, accommodation details, proof of funds and proof of medical cover; these aren’t mandatory, but not having them to hand could mean further questioning.
You might not notice any huge changes immediately – the border checks are being rolled out over a period of 180 days, from October 12, 2025 to April 9, 2026.
The Entry/Exit System (EES), due to be launched on October 12, will aim to make going through airport checks faster
Only a few border points are part of the first phase of the new checks – and, as a result, the EU is confident there will not be significant disruption.
The GOV.UK website says: ‘When EES is introduced, you may need to create a digital record on your first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport on arrival. You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths.’
It adds: ‘You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.’
The latest update from the Foreign Office for the countries using the new system states: ‘On your first visit into a Schengen country from October 12 onwards, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk.
‘Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area.
‘Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but may need their photo taken.’
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Everything you need to know about Europe’s new biometric border checks
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