EU fingerprint and photo travel rules come into force
EU fingerprint and photo travel rules come into force
The European Union has launched a new digital border system that mandates fingerprint scans and photo captures in addition to passport verification. This system, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), will be fully active by Friday, fulfilling the requirement to operate at all Schengen border points across 29 participating nations.
Operational since October 12, the EES was designed to gradually replace traditional passport stamping with automated biometric checks. However, not all locations have completed the transition, with some airports still facing operational challenges. Delays have already been reported at key entry points, and officials warn congestion could worsen during peak travel seasons.
For air travelers, the process will begin upon arrival in European airports. Those from non-EU countries, including the UK, must register their biometric data when their passports are scanned. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint collection. A digital interface will also prompt travelers with four questions, such as confirming accommodation and financial readiness. However, at Eurotunnel, these queries will be handled manually by border officers.
“The European Commission has indicated that suspending EES checks to help ease queues will be allowed at busy times until September,” a spokesperson stated.
Meanwhile, the EES’s rollout has been impacted by technical hiccups, including prolonged wait times. At Geneva, for example, travelers encountered significant delays earlier this year. Airports have acknowledged the strain on infrastructure, with some areas still not fully integrated into the system.
The French border has effectively been relocated to a coach processing building near Dover, requiring vehicles to be sealed after checks. This shift has prompted the port to reclaim land from the sea to create a new area for EES operations. Passengers in coaches will now complete their checks a mile from the main terminal before boarding ferries.
At Dover, ferry passengers in vehicles began using the system in October, while other tourist groups were expected to follow by late November. Despite this, no official date has been set for car travelers. Eurostar has installed 49 EES kiosks at its London St Pancras terminal, but manual checks remain in place for now.
The EES’s biometric data, including fingerprints and photos, will be valid for three years. During this period, travelers’ details will be cross-referenced on each visit to the Schengen Area. While the system is intended to simplify cross-border movement, initial implementation has highlighted the need for adjustments in high-traffic zones.
For those traveling by sea or rail, the EES will be activated as they depart the UK. Eurotunnel and the Eurostar will handle checks at departure points, with staff available to assist. Schoolchildren, in particular, may benefit from pre-registration, reducing time spent at the border on arrival.