Europe to Launch Biometric Border Checks for UK Travellers Under New Entry/Exit System

Starting in October 2025, UK travellers heading to much of mainland Europe will face biometric border checks as the European Union rolls out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) across 29 Schengen countries, including popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Sweden, Croatia, and more. This marks a significant shift from the traditional practice of stamping passports—such stamps will become obsolete as passport control moves to digital records and advanced identification.

How the New EES Will Work:

• All non-EU visitors, including UK citizens, will need to provide biometric data (facial images and fingerprints) when entering the Schengen area for tourism, business, or short visits.
• Upon arrival at the first port or airport in a Schengen country, travellers’ biometric data and passport details will be scanned and stored digitally instead of being manually stamped.
• No pre-registration is required before travel, but first-time visitors to the Schengen area after EES is implemented will need to undergo this new procedure at the border.
• The EES will log each traveller’s entry and exit, name, passport number, nationality, and the dates and locations of crossings, to help authorities more efficiently track visits and enforce the 90/180-day stay rule.

Impact on Travellers and Border Crossings:

• The primary goal of EES is to increase security, modernize border control, and clamp down on document fraud and overstays.
• In the initial months, UK travellers should expect longer wait times at airports and land borders, as staff and passengers adjust to the new system. Travellers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and ensure their passports are in good condition for scanning.
• Airlines, airports, and tour operators will also need to adapt to the new technology, which will require investment in new e-gates, self-service kiosks, and staff training.

What About ETIAS?

• EES is separate from the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). While EES handles border entry/exit records and biometrics, ETIAS (to launch about six months later) will require UK and other non-EU travellers to apply online in advance for travel authorization—costing around €7 and valid for three years or until passport expiry.

Key Points:

• Schengen countries will require UK and other non-EU visitors to submit fingerprints and a facial scan starting October 2025, replacing passport stamps.
• The new procedure is designed to boost security and streamline entry but is expected to cause some travel delays at launch.
• No advance action is required from UK travellers beyond preparing for slightly longer processing times.