Published on
September 19, 2025
The European Union is set to implement a major shift in its border control procedures starting October 12, 2025, with the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES). This new digital system aims to enhance security and streamline the movement of travelers within the Schengen Area. The UK Foreign Office has issued an urgent reminder to travelers from the UK and other non-EU countries, emphasizing the importance of understanding the changes to ensure smooth entry and exit. The EES will require biometric data—such as fingerprints and photographs—from travelers, a move designed to improve border security and efficiency. As the system rolls out, it will impact those traveling to Schengen countries by ferry or Eurostar, significantly changing the way borders are managed and monitored within the region. The shift is expected to reduce irregular immigration and provide authorities with better tools to track arrivals and departures, making travel more secure and organized for millions of people.
Starting on October 12, 2025, the European Union will introduce a significant new border control system known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will affect travelers from the UK and other non-EU countries. The EES is a digital framework designed to enhance security and simplify the entry and exit process for visitors to the Schengen Area. The UK Foreign Office has issued an urgent alert, advising travelers to be prepared for this fundamental shift in border management. The new system will impact anyone traveling to Schengen countries by ferry or Eurostar, marking a significant change in how borders are monitored and controlled across this region.
The Schengen Area is a group of 29 European countries that have eliminated internal border controls, allowing free movement of more than 450 million people. However, to ensure safety and manage immigration better, a new system will be introduced to track who enters and exits the area. The system will register travelers’ biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, which will be collected when they arrive in any of the Schengen member states.
From October 12 onwards, travelers using a UK passport to visit Schengen Area countries for short stays will need to provide their biometric details at the border upon arrival. This process will apply to individuals traveling by air, ferry, or Eurostar. Whether departing from London St Pancras International or the Port of Dover, travelers will be required to use dedicated self-service kiosks designed for this purpose.
At London St Pancras, UK citizens and other non-EU nationals using Eurostar will need to stop at pre-registration kiosks before entering the ticket gates. These kiosks will be positioned in various parts of the station. Similarly, travelers taking ferries from the Port of Dover will complete their biometric registration at a specially designed processing area at the Western Docks, before proceeding to the ferry terminal. For those using ferries departing from other ports, biometric registration will occur upon arrival at their destination in the Schengen area.
The biometric data, which includes a fingerprint scan and a facial photograph, will be taken at dedicated booths when travelers first arrive in the Schengen Area. However, there is no need to pre-register before traveling to one of these countries. It is important to note that travelers will be required to submit their details only during their first visit. Once the digital record is created, it will remain valid for the next three years.
The new system aims to make the travel process more secure and efficient, though it may lead to longer wait times at borders, especially when traveling by air. Travelers will be required to provide their fingerprints or a photograph upon arrival and departure throughout the Schengen Area during this period. The biometric data is intended for use solely within the EES system and will be stored securely. Strict regulations are in place to ensure the privacy of this data, and access is limited to authorized personnel within national authorities.
Once registered, the traveler’s EES record will be stored electronically for up to three years. If they return to a Schengen country during this time, they will not need to provide fresh biometric details. Instead, their fingerprints or facial scan will be matched against the stored information at the border. This is designed to simplify the process for repeat visitors to the Schengen Area, making border checks quicker and more efficient.
The 29 countries that make up the Schengen Area include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Travelers planning to visit any of these countries will be affected by the new border checks.
In addition to improving security, the EES will help authorities better manage immigration flows. The system will also assist in reducing irregular immigration by automatically tracking arrivals and departures, offering a more efficient method of detecting overstays or unauthorized entry attempts. The system is expected to streamline entry procedures for travelers while ensuring that the appropriate safety measures are in place.
Non-EU nationals traveling for short stays are directly impacted by this system, although certain exemptions may apply. Specific details regarding these exemptions can be found on government websites and other official sources. It’s important to be aware of the new requirements, as failure to comply with the biometric registration may result in being denied entry into the Schengen Area.
The biometric data collected through the EES system will be used only for the intended purpose of border control and security. There are strict safeguards in place to prevent abuse or unauthorized access to this sensitive information. Data is protected by European data protection laws, and access to it is restricted to designated authorities, ensuring that it cannot be misused.
The implementation of the EES is part of the EU’s broader efforts to modernize its border control systems and improve immigration management. By creating a more efficient, secure, and automated way to track travelers, the EU hopes to streamline cross-border travel while maintaining safety and security across the Schengen Area. Although the new procedures may initially cause some delays as travelers adapt to the changes, they are expected to lead to smoother and faster border crossings in the long term.
With the introduction of the Entry/Exit System, traveling to the Schengen Area will no longer be the same. Travelers are urged to plan ahead and be aware of the new registration requirements, which will apply when entering any of the 29 Schengen countries. Properly completing biometric registration upon arrival will ensure that travelers can continue to enjoy the benefits of free movement across the region for short stays without unnecessary delays or complications.
