Thursday, July 31, 2025
UK tourists traveling to 29 countries, including Italy, Germany, and France, are being warned of potential delays at border control as the EU’s new Entry/Exit System takes effect. The system, which requires biometric data collection like fingerprints and photos, aims to enhance security and monitor the 90-day limit for non-EU visitors. This new process will replace manual passport stamping, leading to longer waiting times as travelers are processed under the updated regulations.
The upcoming introduction of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), scheduled to take effect on October 12, 2025, is expected to significantly affect border wait times, particularly for travelers entering or exiting the Schengen Area. This change will impact 29 countries, including popular travel destinations like Spain, Greece, and Italy.
The EES will require travelers to have their biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, recorded at the Schengen borders. This system is being implemented to enhance security and ensure better monitoring of travelers, particularly to enforce the 90-day limit that non-EU visitors can stay within any 180-day period. The biometric data will help authorities track the duration of stays and prevent overstays, which have become a growing concern for many countries in the region.
For UK travelers, this change will automate the process of border entry and exit. Upon arrival or departure from the Schengen area, travelers will be required to provide their fingerprints and a photograph for registration. This is a significant departure from the current process, where passports are manually stamped when entering or leaving the EU. With the new system, passengers will no longer receive stamps in their passports, and instead, their biometric data will serve as their primary method of identification.
The transition to this new system has raised concerns over longer waiting times at border control. Travelers are advised to prepare for potential delays, as the biometric data collection process may take a few additional minutes per passenger. It is expected that this new procedure will slow down the flow of travelers, at least initially, as border control officers become accustomed to the new technology and system.
The system’s phased implementation will start in October 2025, with full operational status expected by April 9, 2026. During this period, not all travelers will be required to register their biometric data at the border. Instead, some travelers may be processed while others are not, depending on the country and specific circumstances at the time of travel. The gradual rollout will allow authorities to iron out any issues that arise before full implementation is completed.
From the moment the system begins in October, travelers entering or leaving the Schengen area for short stays will need to have their fingerprints and a photograph taken, as well as answer certain questions in accordance with the Schengen Border Code. Those traveling through major entry points like the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, or St Pancras International will have their biometric data captured before departing the UK. The system will be able to record these details as travelers prepare to leave the UK, enabling smoother entry into the Schengen area upon arrival.
Additionally, travelers may also be required to provide their biometric data when leaving the Schengen area. This will allow authorities to ensure that travelers comply with the 90-day stay limit and to monitor the flow of people as they exit the region.
The countries that will be affected by the new Entry/Exit System include a wide range of popular destinations throughout Europe. Travelers visiting or leaving these countries should be prepared for the new biometric registration process. The full list of nations impacted by the EES includes:
AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCzech RepublicDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandItalyLatviaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenSwitzerland
As the EES is rolled out, it is important for travelers to familiarize themselves with the new requirements to avoid any confusion or delays during their trips. The biometric registration process will become an integral part of travel in and out of the Schengen Area, and it’s crucial for tourists to plan ahead to accommodate any extra time needed at the border.
Although the new system aims to enhance security and streamline travel within the Schengen Area, it’s clear that there will be some growing pains during the initial stages of implementation. With the gradual rollout, travelers can expect adjustments to the process, but it is important to remain patient and allow for the time it takes to complete the new procedures.
Ultimately, while the EES will provide a higher level of security and more efficient tracking of short-term visitors, travelers should remain prepared for potential delays and additional steps when crossing the border.
