The European Union’s long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin rolling out on Sunday, 12 October 2025, bringing new biometric border checks for non-EU travellers, including those from the UK.
The system replaces manual passport stamping at EU and Schengen borders, using fingerprints and facial recognition to record arrivals and departures.
How It Works
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On the first trip after launch, travellers from outside the EU will need to register passport details, fingerprints, and a facial image.
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Future trips will require only biometric verification, speeding up processing.
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Border officers may also ask for proof of accommodation, return travel, funds, and insurance.
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Children under 12 do not need to provide fingerprints but will have a facial scan.
Where It Will Apply
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All 25 EU countries plus Schengen members Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
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UK locations with French border controls — Port of Dover, St Pancras International, and Folkestone — will conduct EES checks before departure.
Key Dates
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Soft launch: 12 October 2025 — days before UK half-term holidays.
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Full implementation: by 10 April 2026.
Who’s Exempt
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EU passport holders, including Irish citizens.
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UK passport holders with EU residency permits or long-stay visas.
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Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican.
Not to Be Confused With
The EES is separate from the ETIAS travel authorisation, set to launch in late 2026, which will require pre-travel approval for non-EU citizens.
The EU says the system will speed up checks in the long term, though travellers are warned that queues may be longer during the initial roll-out.
