Non-European Union (EU) citizens, including British visitors, will face new biometric checks when entering the Schengen area, as the EU has rolled out its long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES) last Sunday.
This system mandates all non-EU citizens to register their personal data, including fingerprints and facial scans, upon their first entry into the Schengen zone, which encompasses all EU nations except Ireland and Cyprus, along with Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
The biometric data collection will be phased in, with full implementation expected by April 10, 2026. The EU anticipates a smooth transition, reducing the need for manual passport stamping and enhancing border security. The digital system will link travelers’ identities to their travel documents, addressing concerns such as illegal migration, identity fraud, and overstaying.
Under the new system, first-time entrants to the Schengen area will need to scan their passports, submit fingerprints, and provide a facial scan. On departure, their details will be cross-checked with the EES database to ensure compliance with the 90-day stay limit within a 180-day period. Future entries will only require facial biometric verification. Children under 12 will be photographed but not required to give fingerprints.
While the EU aims for minimal disruption, the gradual rollout will affect border crossings at airports, ports, and train terminals in the Schengen area. At the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone, and Eurostar terminal in London, the system will require departure registration starting October 12. Passenger vehicle checks will begin later this year, with the full implementation anticipated by late 2026. Travelers are advised to expect some delays as the system is integrated, particularly during peak travel times like Easter 2026.
Looking ahead, the EES will be followed by the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), slated to launch in late 2026. Non-Schengen citizens will need to apply for ETIAS authorization, which involves a 20-euro fee and will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner.
