EU fingerprint and photo travel rules come into force

EU Fingerprint and Photo Travel Rules Come Into Force

The EU’s new digital border system, which mandates the collection of fingerprints and photographs in addition to a passport scan, will now be fully operational from Friday. This marks the deadline for the Entry/Exit System (EES) to be active at every Schengen border crossing in all 29 participating countries. The rollout began in October with the goal of enhancing security and streamlining travel, but some delays have meant not all locations will be fully equipped by the time it goes live.

The EES is designed to track the entry and exit of non-EU citizens, including UK nationals, across the Schengen Area. This zone comprises 29 European nations—primarily EU members—where border controls are unified. Popular UK destinations such as France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece are included in this network. Under the updated system, travelers must register biometric data, including their fingerprints and a photo, during the initial check.

Travelers will encounter the EES process depending on their destination and travel method. Air travelers will face the procedure when arriving at European airports, while those using the Eurotunnel or Eurostar from the UK will complete it before departure. At Dover’s ferry terminal, checks started in October for coaches, but car passengers have yet to begin using the system. The gradual implementation, planned over six months, has already caused long queues at key entry points.

“Groups of schoolchildren will be able to do some of their registration in advance, so they will only need to present their passports at the border,” said the port’s boss.

The EES registration remains valid for three years, with traveler details verified on each trip within that period. However, during peak holiday times, the European Commission has indicated that manual checks by border officers may be allowed to reduce delays. Some airports, like Milan and Lisbon, will not activate the system on Friday, adding to the phased rollout.

Dover has undergone significant changes to accommodate the EES. The port has reclaimed land from the sea to create a new processing area, a mile from the ferry terminal. Coaches will be sealed after passengers complete their checks, then transported to board ferries. The French border has been effectively shifted to this new location, impacting the flow of traffic. Eurostar has installed 49 EES kiosks across three areas at its London St Pancras terminal, but manual checks are still in use for some travelers.