Home » TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY NEWS » New EU Border Rules: Non-EU Travellers To Submit Biometric Data For Easier Travel To Spain, France, Greece, And More
Published on
September 6, 2025
By October 12, 2025, all Non-EU border crossers, including travellers from the UK, will face the newly installed automated border control system while going to holiday hotspots like Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, and Germany. Although the EES is to simplify border control, automated biometric data capture will include capture of fingerprints and facial images of all visitors. Maintaining the more sophisticated border control system of the European Union will simplify border control for visit, holiday, and business trips for all travellers. Therefore, tourists need to be acquainted with the system.
The European Entry/Exit System (EES) and Its Impact on Tourists
The European Entry/Exit System (EES) is designed to capture and store the biometric data of travellers entering or leaving 29 European countries. The system aims to replace the traditional passport stamping process and to track the duration of short stays more efficiently, ensuring better management of the EU’s borders. Popular tourist destinations like Spain, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany are among the countries that will implement the system in stages, with the full rollout expected by April 2026.
Under the EES, visitors will be asked to provide their personal details, including biometric data, each time they cross an EU border. For first-time visitors, this means submitting fingerprints and having their photograph taken. This data will then be stored in a digital file, so subsequent visits to any EU country using the EES system will only require the verification of their previously recorded data. This aims to speed up the process at future border crossings.
A Phased Rollout with Potential Delays
Although the EES promises long-term benefits, experts warn that the initial registration process may cause delays at border checkpoints, particularly in the first few months of implementation. Travellers arriving for the first time after the system is live will undergo biometric registration, which will take longer than the standard passport check. To accommodate the increased volume of travellers and the new procedure, a phased rollout will begin on October 12, 2025, with the full system expected to be in place by April 2026.
The phased implementation means that travellers should expect varying processing times at different airports and borders, as the system will be gradually adopted. While it will eventually save time for returning travellers, the initial impact could be felt during peak travel times, such as the half-term holidays or Christmas. The EES also applies to all nationalities, including UK tourists, who have become accustomed to relatively quick border crossings within the Schengen Area.
The Role of the ETIAS in Future Travel
Travellers heading to the EU in the future should also be aware of another new border measure, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will launch in late 2026. ETIAS will be a separate process from the EES, primarily applying to non-EU citizens who are currently visa-exempt. Unlike the EES, where data is collected at borders, ETIAS will require travellers to apply for authorisation before travelling to the EU. This system will be linked to the traveller’s passport and will be mandatory for entry to any of the 30 European countries that participate in the programme.
Unlike the EES, which tracks the time a visitor spends within the Schengen Area, ETIAS will serve as a pre-travel security clearance. Travellers approved under ETIAS will have their authorisation valid for three years, or until their passport expires, whichever comes first. As ETIAS will be introduced in 2026, it’s advisable for travellers to plan ahead and ensure they have the necessary documentation well before their travels.
What Travellers Need to Do Now
For those planning to travel to the EU, it is crucial to prepare for the upcoming changes. In addition to being ready for the biometric data collection at border crossings, visitors should keep track of their travel dates to ensure they comply with the 90-day limit within any 180-day period. The EES system will automatically track this duration, so overstaying could result in penalties, such as fines or being barred from re-entering the EU.
Furthermore, visitors must be aware that refusing to provide biometric data at the border will lead to denial of entry into the EU. As such, travellers should be prepared to comply with the new regulations to avoid disruptions to their travel plans.
How the EES Will Benefit Tourists in the Long Run
While the EES may cause some initial inconvenience for tourists, it is designed to improve border security and streamline the travel experience. By eliminating the need for passport stamping, the system aims to reduce long queues at border control, saving time for frequent travellers. Once a traveller’s biometric data is recorded, subsequent crossings will be faster, allowing tourists to spend more time enjoying their destination and less time at the border.
Additionally, the introduction of the EES will provide better oversight of tourism flows within the EU, enabling authorities to better manage visitor numbers and improve the overall travel experience. This could be particularly beneficial for regions experiencing high volumes of tourists, such as Spain, Italy, and Greece, ensuring a more seamless process for everyone involved.
Preparing for the Future of European Travel
Traveling to destinations like France, Greece, Netherlands, Spain, Germany and Italy will change with the introduction of the EES system. Although travellers will have to provide biometric information which may result in delays of the new system, the pros certainly outweigh the cons. Plus, the new system will improve border security, cut down on the length of queues and provide easy access to those traveling to the country regularly.
To avoid any disruptions, travellers should ensure they’re aware of the EES and how it may impact their journey. With proper preparation, including understanding the EES registration process and adhering to the 90-day rule, tourists can enjoy a smooth travel experience across Europe. The introduction of the ETIAS system in 2026 will further streamline travel to the EU, so it’s important to stay informed and be prepared for these changes well in advance.
