British nationals may face longer waits at border control when visiting a number of EU countries thanks to a new digital system that is being introduced in October.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be gradually rolled out across Europe over six months from 12 October.
It will see the manual stamping of passports scrapped in favour of visitors registering their biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, automating the process of registering travellers’ entries and exits.
But which countries will it apply to, how will it work and why is it being introduced?
Which countries will have the Entry/Exit System?
It will apply to 25 EU countries in the Schengen area and four other countries in the same region, but which are not part of the EU.
Here’s the full list:
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
Manual passport stamping will continue to be used in Ireland and Cyprus.
Who does it apply to?
The system applies if you are a non-EU national, including from the UK, who is travelling to an EU country for a short stay, which means up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Children under the age of 12 will be exempt from giving fingerprints, but they will still need to have their faces scanned for the system.
There are exemptions which are listed here.
How will it work?
The EES will register the person’s name, type of travel document, biometric data – fingerprints and captured facial images – and the date and place of entry and exit.
When you first visit one of the listed countries after the EES is adopted, you will need to register your details at an automated kiosk.
In normal circumstances, you will complete the EES checks when you arrive at your destination airport or port in a purpose-built booth.
However, if you enter one of the countries through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, EES checks will be completed at the border before you leave the UK. EES kiosks have been installed specifically for this purpose.
This will mean passengers will have to get out of their cars to register at the Eurotunnel terminal and the Port of Dover. The latter will have an EES processing site at the Western docks.
You do not need to take any action before arriving at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.
Your digital EES record will be valid for three years before it has to be renewed.
If you enter the Schengen area again during this time, you will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border, when you enter and exit.
During the initial rollout, manual stamping of passports is set to continue, but the system is expected to completely replace it from 10 April 2026.
Why is it being implemented?
The EU says the new system is aimed at making several improvements to the manual stamping system, which the European Commission views as time-consuming and unreliable in providing data on border crossings.
It says the EES will make border checks more modern, efficient, easier and faster. It says that once they are registered, travellers will spend less time at the border thanks to faster checks.
It is also aimed at preventing illegal migration. It says the EES will help track who comes in and out of the Schengen countries better than the old system, using fingerprint and face data to stop people from overstaying, using fake identities or misusing visa-free travel.
It also says the EES will increase security in the countries, giving the authorities access to important traveller information and helping them to spot security risks and support the fight against serious crimes and terrorism.
Longer wait times expected as rollout begins
The government has warned that there may be longer waiting times than usual at the border once the system starts, as it will take each passenger a few extra minutes to join the EES.
The EU Border Agency Frontex has developed a smartphone app to enable partial EES registration ahead of travel, though fingerprints would still need to be collected at the border.
While Frontex has said it is ready to be used when EES is launched, this will be voluntary for participating countries.
Selected entry points will be trialling its use in late 2025 and 2026, according to the government.
