Home » Austria Travel News » Austria, Germany, Greece, And Spain Among EU Nations Set To Enforce New Biometric Border Checks For Travellers

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Travellers heading to popular Schengen destinations such as Austria, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Slovenia, Spain, Portugal, and more will soon face enhanced border procedures as the European Union launches its new Entry/Exit System (EES). Scheduled for implementation in October 2025, this digital border control initiative will replace manual passport stamping with biometric data collection—including fingerprints and facial scans—for all non-EU nationals, including UK citizens. The primary goal of this system is to strengthen EU border security, curb illegal migration, and reduce overstays by tracking travellers’ movements in and out of the Schengen zone. The change is part of a broader effort by the EU to modernise external border management and ensure safe, efficient cross-border travel while reinforcing post-Brexit travel regulations for UK nationals.

EU Set to Launch Entry/Exit System Transforming UK Travel to Schengen Zone

The European Union is preparing to introduce a cutting-edge digital border management system called the Entry/Exit System (EES), a development that is expected to redefine how British nationals access Schengen countries. As part of the EU’s efforts to modernize and tighten external border control, EES will significantly affect UK citizens travelling to Europe for leisure, business, or family visits.

The Schengen area, known for its open-border policy, allows over four hundred million residents to move freely among member states without undergoing border checks. However, this freedom has traditionally posed security challenges, especially for non-EU visitors. To address this, the EU is transitioning to a more secure and automated framework to monitor who enters and exits its territory.

Under the new system, EES will replace the manual stamping of passports for third-country nationals, including British passport holders. Instead, biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans will be collected and stored upon arrival and departure. These digital records will be valid for a period of three years, simplifying repeat entry for registered travellers.

The launch of EES is currently scheduled for October 2025, although the final implementation date will be officially announced closer to the rollout. The transition will mark a major milestone in European border policy, particularly in the post-Brexit landscape, where UK nationals are now treated as third-country travellers.

The member states participating in the EES include:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

These countries collectively form the Schengen area, a region that remains one of the most popular travel destinations for UK citizens. The introduction of EES is expected to bring changes that travellers should plan for in advance. For instance, visitors arriving by air may encounter longer wait times at immigration, especially during peak seasons, as border authorities process biometric checks and create digital profiles for new entrants.

Once this profile is established, travellers will no longer need to undergo full identity screening for every visit. A simple fingerprint scan or facial recognition match will allow for smoother entry and exit procedures within the validity period of three years. This will not only reduce human error but also support EU authorities in identifying those who may attempt to overstay their permitted durations.

The primary objectives of EES include bolstering security, curbing illegal immigration, and efficiently tracking overstays—a recurring concern for many EU nations. The automated system aims to replace the outdated method of manually tracking movements through physical passport stamps, thereby enabling more accurate data collection and faster identification of irregular travel behaviour.

The Entry/Exit System is part of the EU’s broader initiative to enhance its digital infrastructure at external borders. Complementing this effort is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), another key project due to launch in late 2026. ETIAS will require UK citizens and other third-country travellers to apply for travel authorisation prior to entry into Schengen countries.

The ETIAS application process will be conducted online, requiring basic personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Applicants will also need to pay a nominal fee. This pre-travel clearance is expected to further tighten security measures by identifying potential risks before individuals arrive at European borders.

Similar to the US ESTA system, ETIAS will screen travellers against various EU security databases, including those related to criminal records and terrorism. The approval process is expected to be fast for most applicants, often completed within minutes, but it may take longer for cases that require manual review.

In anticipation of these changes, the UK government has been working closely with the European Commission, individual EU member states, local port authorities, and the wider travel industry. According to updates posted on Gov.uk, the British government is taking proactive steps to ensure that airports, ferry terminals, and border infrastructure are prepared for the shift to digital entry systems.

These reforms come at a time when international travel is increasingly reliant on biometric technology and digital verification. Countries around the world are adopting similar systems to strike a balance between welcoming visitors and maintaining national security. The EU’s introduction of EES and ETIAS is a direct response to this global trend.

These updates underscore the importance of staying informed about changing travel regulations. Individuals planning trips to Europe should allow extra time at borders during the initial rollout of EES, ensure that their travel documents are up to date, and familiarise themselves with new requirements under ETIAS ahead of 2026.

Travellers visiting Austria, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Slovenia, Spain, Portugal, and other EU countries will face biometric checks under the new Entry/Exit System, designed to tighten border security and reduce overstays. This digital system will track entries and exits to enhance safety and modernise Schengen travel protocols.

The EU’s Entry/Exit System represents a pivotal evolution in how European borders are managed. While the system may introduce some short-term delays and require additional compliance, it is ultimately designed to create a safer and more efficient travel experience across the Schengen zone. With proper planning and awareness, Travellers can continue to enjoy smooth and secure visits to Europe in the years ahead.

Tags: Austria, Belgium, biometric checks, bulgaria, Croatia, czech Republic, denmark, digital border control, Entry Exit System, estonia, EU travel rules, finland, france, Republic of Cyprus, Schengen visa, Travel News