Published on
October 12, 2025
UK travelers are being warned to prepare for potential delays as Europe introduces its new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will require biometric checks for all non-Schengen visitors. The system, set to go live across 29 Schengen countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, and the Netherlands, aims to enhance security and streamline border controls. However, travelers are advised to expect longer wait times, especially during the initial phase, as the technology is integrated and becomes fully operational.
A new border system is set to impact travelers from the UK heading to Europe as the European Union introduces the Entry/Exit System (EES) on Sunday. This system will be implemented across the Schengen Area, which comprises 29 European countries that have removed internal border controls. With the new system, travelers from outside the Schengen bloc, which includes major nations like France, Spain, Italy, and Germany, will need to undergo biometric checks.
The EES will require all non-Schengen travelers to provide their fingerprints and photographs upon entry. This biometric data will be collected using specialized machines at various entry points, including airports, train stations, and ports. UK travelers are specifically advised to prepare for potential delays of up to four hours as the system is integrated. The Home Office has clarified that while the additional checks are expected to take just one to two minutes, busy periods may lead to extended waiting times.
For most UK travelers, the EES process will take place at foreign airports before entering the Schengen zone. However, there will be exceptions for those departing from specific UK locations, such as London’s St Pancras railway station, the Port of Dover, and Eurotunnel’s Folkestone terminal. New kiosks have been installed at these locations, where certain passengers will complete their EES checks before departure. These checks will initially be required only for a portion of travelers, with full implementation expected across all participating states by April 10, 2026.
The EES system is being rolled out in phases, and each individual’s registration will remain valid for three years, although their details will be verified on each journey during this period. The system aims to replace the current practice of border officers manually stamping passports. This transition to biometric verification is expected to improve efficiency and security at the border while simplifying the travel process for millions of international visitors.
The Schengen Area, which comprises countries such as Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Sweden, currently allows free movement of travelers between its member states without the need for passport checks at internal borders. While the UK is not part of the Schengen Area, the new EES will apply to travelers from all non-Schengen countries, including those from the UK.
It’s important to note that the UK’s absence from the Schengen Area is unrelated to Brexit. The system’s introduction aligns with the EU’s ongoing efforts to streamline border controls and improve security. Notably, the smaller European states of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City are not formally part of the Schengen Area but follow its rules and regulations. Cyprus is expected to join the Schengen Area in the near future.
The EES system is designed to automate and streamline the entry and exit process for travelers, reducing the need for manual passport stamping and enabling border control authorities to track travelers more efficiently. By replacing traditional methods with biometric data, the system will also help authorities enhance security measures and better monitor compliance with travel regulations.
As the system is phased in, travelers will be required to undergo fingerprint scans and facial recognition at designated entry points. While these additional checks are expected to be quick, travelers are encouraged to allow extra time for potential delays, especially during peak travel periods. The full implementation of the system will be completed by April 2026, with biometric checks becoming the standard across the Schengen Area.
For UK travelers, the transition to the new system means adjusting to a more streamlined, yet potentially slower, border crossing process. Although the system is expected to be more efficient in the long run, initial teething problems may cause delays as both travelers and border control authorities become accustomed to the new technology.
As the EES system rolls out across Europe, UK travelers should be prepared for longer wait times at borders, particularly during peak travel seasons. While the introduction of biometric data collection promises to improve security and efficiency in the long term, travelers should allow for extra time to navigate the new border control processes. With the full implementation of the system scheduled for 2026, travelers can expect smoother and faster border crossings in the future, although the initial transition period may involve some disruptions.
