The EU’s new biometric security system is set to come into force this weekend.
The Entry/Exit System (EES), due to be launched on October 12, will aim to make going through airport checks faster and collate data from travellers.
But there is much speculation regarding how far the rules will actually come into play on Sunday – and how long it will take for the system to be fully operational.
Indeed, the aim is for the system to be rolled out gradually across borders, with full implementation expected by April 9, 2026. So how much will actually be noticeable from this weekend?
In fact, one major airport has said only one flight from Spain will be affected on Sunday. Spain will initially only test the EES with a single flight arriving at Madrid airport on the first day of the system, the Independent reported.
The Spanish government says: ‘During the six-month trial period for the EU EES, it will be implemented gradually at Spanish border crossings, first at airports, then at land borders, and finally at sea borders.
‘On Sunday October 12, the first test will be conducted with passengers on a flight arriving at Madrid-Barajas-Adolfo Suarez Airport early in the morning.’
On the other hand, some countries have said they will be implementing EES from the get-go. Estonia, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic say they will be operating the rules for all arrivals and departures from day one.
Spain will initially only test the EES with a single flight arriving at Madrid airport on the first day of the system
The rules, which have been subject to delays several times over, are designed to replace manual passport stamping for non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders, entering the Schengen Area.
But there’s another delay related to the EES system. An app that would allow travellers to pre-register for the system is not yet available.
The Independent reported there are not yet any measures in place to help speed up checks.
What’s more, when an app is available, it will apply only for airline passengers to Sweden.
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.’
On the other hand, some countries have said they will be implementing EES from the get-go
It’s not the first time there have been delays to the new EES system. Border officials may be allowed to relax the rules to alleviate queues or chaos at ports after the system is finally launched – slowing down the process of its implementation.
Eurotunnel, Eurostar and the Port of Dover will all open new biometric registration kiosks in the UK on October 12, following previous delays.
But according to Eurostar and Eurotunnel, there will also be an additional 90 days’ grace period during which the EES can be scaled back, under the direction of French border authorities – in case of operational failures and to help adapt to the new rules, reducing delays.
The EES was initially set to be launched in 2022 – which was then pushed back to May 2023, then late 2023, and then late 2024.
In July 2025, the European Commission announced a new launch date of 12 October 2025, with the new system to be gradually introduced and fully operational after a six-month period.
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Will EU’s new EES rules actually happen on Sunday? Spain changes rules for just ONE flight and the app to pre-register still not available
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