Published on
September 5, 2025
The European Union’s new Entry Exit System, launching this October, will replace traditional passport stamping with biometric checks, a move aimed at modernising border security, reducing processing times, and ensuring smoother travel experiences for millions of UK holidaymakers crossing through London St Pancras and other major gateways.
UK Travellers Prepare for Major Change as EU Entry Exit System Launches at London St Pancras
After years of delays, a new border control system is finally set to come into force, reshaping the travel experience for passengers heading from the UK into the European Union. On October 12, the EU’s long-awaited Entry Exit System (EES) will be introduced at London St Pancras International, marking the beginning of a major shift in how travellers are processed at the border.
A New Era for Border Checks
The EES will replace the long-standing practice of stamping passports for non-EU nationals, including UK citizens. Instead, travellers will undergo a biometric registration process when entering the EU. Travellers will complete the process at self-service kiosks, where they provide fingerprint verification, a digital facial scan, and answer a brief set of travel questions. Each registration is expected to take around 90 seconds per person, and the data will remain valid for three years.
While the new system is designed to streamline checks in the long run, concerns have been voiced over potential delays during its initial rollout. The introduction of biometric processing means every non-EU traveller must register before crossing into France or other EU countries, leading to predictions of congestion during peak travel periods.
What Passengers Can Expect
Travellers passing through London St Pancras will start the process at specially built Entry Exit System kiosks positioned before the main check-in area. Travellers will scan their passports, have their fingerprints and photo taken, and answer four brief questions related to their journey.
Children will also need to register, although those under the age of twelve will not be required to provide fingerprints. Once the kiosk stage is completed, passengers will continue through the normal check-in, security, and UK exit controls before finalising the registration process with French border officials stationed at the terminal.
Despite the additional steps, passengers are not being asked to arrive earlier than before. Current advice remains to check in 60 to 75 minutes before departure.
Investment in Infrastructure
In preparation for the launch, more than £11 million has been invested to expand and upgrade border facilities at St Pancras International. This includes the creation of three new areas housing a total of 49 biometric kiosks. This number is more than double the minimum recommended by French authorities, signalling a major effort to minimise potential queues.
Once a traveller has registered under the new system, the process for subsequent trips should be much quicker. Fingerprints will not need to be taken again for three years, although passengers will still be required to use a kiosk to confirm their details.
A significant change will also occur in the spring, when the manual stamping of UK passports is phased out. From around April, border officers will rely solely on the electronic system, which is expected to cut down processing times and create smoother passenger flows.
Anticipated Challenges
The true test of the new system in the UK is expected to come during peak travel periods in 2025. The system’s first real test is expected to arrive as the Easter school holidays draw to a close, aligning with the April 10 deadline for full rollout at all border points. This period traditionally sees a surge in cross-channel travel, and it will serve as a key measure of how effectively the system can handle large passenger volumes.
Both Dover and Folkestone are also preparing for the rollout, with similar biometric kiosks being set up to process ferry and Eurotunnel travellers. The impact of the system at these high-traffic entry points is still a source of concern, particularly given the possibility of long queues for motorists and coach passengers.
Long Road to Implementation
The EES has been in development since 2016 but has faced repeated delays due to technical, logistical, and political challenges. Its eventual rollout marks one of the most significant changes to European border policy in recent decades.
The purpose of the system is twofold: to strengthen security at EU borders while also modernising how travellers are processed. By collecting biometric data upfront, border forces will have quicker and more reliable tools to identify individuals, reducing reliance on manual passport checks.
Public Awareness Rising
Awareness of the new requirements has been growing steadily among UK travellers. A recent survey of more than 2,000 adults revealed that just over half – 51% – know about the EES rules, an increase from 44% the year before. Among those who had travelled abroad in the past twelve months, awareness was even higher, reaching 61%.
This gradual increase in knowledge is critical, as passengers who are unaware of the changes may be caught off guard by the new registration process. Travel operators, airlines, and train services are expected to continue informing customers in the lead-up to the October launch.
The Entry Exit System represents a significant step toward a more digital and secure border experience for non-EU travellers. Although it may introduce some initial friction, particularly during peak periods, the long-term goal is to create a smoother, faster, and more consistent process for passengers moving between the UK and the EU.
For UK travellers heading to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and beyond, October 12 will mark the beginning of a new era in cross-channel journeys. The next twelve months will be critical in determining how well the system adapts to the realities of mass travel – and whether the heavy investment in new infrastructure will be enough to keep queues at bay.
