Published on
August 26, 2025
Starting October 2025, Italy will join a growing list of Schengen Area countries, including Germany, Austria, France, Netherlands, Denmark, Greece, and Portugal, in implementing the European Union’s new biometric border entry system. This groundbreaking reform will require travelers, including UK citizens, to provide biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans upon entry, replacing traditional passport stamps. The system aims to enhance border security, streamline immigration processes, and combat illegal immigration across the EU. UK travelers, in particular, will face significant changes as they navigate these new procedures, making it essential to understand the upcoming regulations before embarking on their European journeys.
The countdown is on as Europe prepares for a major transformation in its border entry system, with just under 50 days remaining before a historic overhaul. Starting on October 12, the European Union (EU) will introduce the most significant change to its border control procedures in decades, fundamentally altering how travelers, including UK citizens, access the continent.
With the new system, travelers entering any of the Schengen Area countries will need to register biometric data—such as fingerprints and facial images—at their arrival point. This data will be stored in a central database, accessible across all Schengen airports. The key impact of this update is that passport stamps upon arrival will become obsolete, streamlining the process for many travelers.
However, this biometric verification will not apply in the same way for those traveling via land routes from the UK. Whether traveling by the Eurostar from London St Pancras International station, taking a ferry from Dover, or using the Eurotunnel from Folkestone, the biometric checks will take place before departure on UK soil. This difference is a crucial detail for travelers planning to journey to the Schengen Zone.
As the implementation date draws closer, there is growing concern among travelers and experts alike about how smoothly the transition will go. The system, which was originally slated to launch in 2021, has faced multiple delays, leaving many anxious about the potential for long waits and disruptions at the border. Industry experts, along with UK authorities, have already warned that travelers could experience extended processing times.
One of the key aspects of the new system is the retention of biometric data. Once collected, this data will be stored for a period of three years. For those traveling regularly within the Schengen Zone, it’s important to be aware that the system will enforce a strict limit on stays. Visitors will be permitted a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period, which will be closely monitored.
The EU assures that all data collected through the new system will be kept secure and protected against misuse. Access to the data will be highly restricted, with only authorized national authorities allowed to view it.
The primary aim of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) is to modernize and enhance passport control procedures, ensuring that individuals do not overstay their permitted time in the Schengen Area. It is also designed to improve the fight against illegal immigration by providing more efficient tracking of travelers entering and exiting the zone.
The introduction of the EES is just one part of a broader initiative to modernize Europe’s travel system. Following its launch, the EU plans to roll out the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) by the end of 2026. The ETIAS will be a visa exemption program similar to the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which requires travelers to complete an online form providing their passport and contact details. Once submitted, they will pay a fee of €20 to receive a digital travel authorization, granting them access to the EU for up to 90 days.
With the EES set to launch in less than two months, travelers planning trips to the Schengen Zone should familiarize themselves with the upcoming regulations to avoid surprises. The following Schengen Area countries will be impacted by these new rules:
AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCzech RepublicDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandItalyLatviaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenSwitzerland
As the new regulations come into force, it’s clear that this will mark a major shift in how international travelers experience Europe. With the entry/exit system designed to enhance border security and facilitate smoother travel, these changes promise to shape the future of cross-border movement within the EU. However, it will be essential for travelers to adapt to these new requirements to ensure a seamless journey across Europe in the years to come.
