![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_man-using-scanner-kiosk.jpg\")
A person uses a EES kiosk during the demonstration(Image: Lucy North\/PA Wire)<\/p>\nThe system will require Brits to have their fingerprints recorded and photographs captured for EU entry.A person uses a EES kiosk during the demonstration(Image: Lucy North\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n
Travelling can be a nerve-wracking experience. Having all documents to hand as well as the correct information on when and where you are heading is not for the faint-hearted, and changes to the whole process are on the way.<\/p>\n
The next time you travel from the UK <\/a>to Europe, you might notice a switch-up. That is because EU <\/a>border controls kick off next month with the Entry Exit System (EES) launching on October 12.<\/p>\n The new system will demand that visitors from non-EU countries \u2013 including Britain \u2013 provide fingerprint scans and pose for photographs when entering the EU, eventually replacing passport <\/a>stamping altogether.<\/p>\n Every child must enrol, though youngsters under 12 won’t require fingerprinting, reports the Daily Record<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you’re worrying about the full extent of the changes, and what it means for you, we have broken it down.<\/p>\n What is EES and where is it being introduced? EES will come into force in 29 European countries and will see a significant change for UK passengers<\/a>. From this date, fliers will have their fingerprints and photograph taken when they first enter or leave the Schengen area.<\/p>\n It includes many popular destinations for UK travellers, such as France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece.<\/p>\n It will replace the current system of having a passport<\/a> stamped on entering an EU country. Instead, there will be an automated system which records when tourists cross an EU external border<\/p>\n The new system will collect biometric data at the border.<\/p>\n It is hoped that the EES will improve security and ensure people don’t overstay the 90-day limit in any 180 day period. UK passengers may also be asked questions at border control.<\/p>\n When will EES start?<\/p>\n EES begins on October 12. Check points will be gradually increased until it’s fully rolled out by April 10, 2026.<\/p>\n At Dover, coach passengers will start using the new system on October 12, followed by other tourist traffic on November 1. At Eurostar terminals, EES will be introduced more gradually.<\/p>\n A spokesperson said Eurostar will take “full advantage” of the six-month introductory phase of EES<\/a>, by only inviting some frequent travellers and those with premium tickets to use the kiosks.<\/p>\n EU member states will initially only be required to use the system for a proportion of their arrivals.<\/p>\n Eurotunnel, which runs vehicle shuttles through the Channel Tunnel, is also expecting to introduce EES in stages from October 12.<\/p>\n What will passengers have to do? The first time they use the new system, people from most non-EU countries, including the UK, travelling into and out of the Schengen area for short stays may have their fingerprints and photo taken and passport scanned.<\/p>\n They may also need to answer the Schengen Border Code questions.<\/p>\n For those entering the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, this information will be taken at the border before leaving the UK.<\/p>\n At these places, passengers <\/a>will have to follow the instructions on kiosks – automated machines installed in dedicated areas.<\/p>\n The Schengen Border Code questions could involve showing proof of accommodation, sufficient funds for the trip, medical insurance, and a return or onward ticket.<\/p>\n Border officials can request more information if they suspect you cannot support your trip.<\/p>\n All passports will continue to be stamped manually until EES is fully rolled out in 2026.<\/p>\n Once an individual is enrolled with EES, they won’t need to have their fingerprints taken for journeys over the subsequent three years, though they’ll still be required to use a kiosk.<\/p>\n What are the concerns? For several years, there have been worries that EES could cause lengthy hold-ups for British travellers completing EU border procedures at St Pancras station, Dover Port and Eurotunnel’s Folkestone terminal.<\/p>\n The Foreign Office has warned that there could be increased waiting times as the new system is bedded in.<\/p>\n During the initial transition period, the port will be able to temporarily stand down EES if queues get too long, and revert to manual <\/strong>passport stamping, according to the BBC<\/a>.<\/p>\n Eurostar hope its decision to limit EES initially to some business travellers will help to avoid any significant queues.<\/p>\n Eurostar will maintain current arrival times at St Pancras, which vary from 60-75 minutes before departure.<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile<\/strong><\/a>, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!<\/p>\n If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n The company anticipates travellers will need roughly 90 seconds to use the kiosk system.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1_EU-and-UK-Passport-Control-Signage-at-London-Gatwick-Airport.jpg\")
The EU’s new digital border system, the Entry\/Exit System or EES, will be gradually introduced this autumn.(Image: Christopher Ames via Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1_passport-control.jpg\")
The new system, which will be rolled out from October 12, will replace the stamping of Brits’ passports(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_kiosk.jpg\")
An EES kiosk at Kings Cross St Pancras for the Eurostar European Union entry\/exit system (EES) before its rollout.(Image: PA)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_WACOMMUNITYQR3.jpg\")
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