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The European Union’s (EU’s) Biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) was fully implemented in April. Dubbed “the most modern digital border management system in the world”, it went into action in EU countries within the Schengen Area.
Let us explain the purpose of the EES for UK travellers, while reassuring you on how it works. Plus, we’ll take a look at what makes the EES stand out from other border control processes.
Yes. It was fully implemented on Friday 10th April 2026. It’s an automated IT system that now operates at airports, land borders, and ports within the Schengen Area. It registers all the movements of “third-country nationals” (visitors from non-EU countries) who have booked a short stay in 25 EU countries (it will not apply in Ireland, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
Yes. As British passport holders are “third-country nationals”, each time we travel from the UK to an EU country, we’ll be required to join a new queue. Our passports (or other travel documents) will need to be scanned at an automated self-service kiosk. We’ll then be able to cross the border.
Thanks to cutting-edge technology, scanning your passports or travel documents should be a swift procedure. The first time a traveller completes the process, their biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) will be captured and recorded on the system. Also, the time, date, and place of your entry/exit will be registered, so the duration of your authorised stay can be calculated.
This is in addition to the following checks that border officials are required to note:
In Europe, within the Schengen area, the EES will affect your trip if you arrive and leave an airport or port.
When travelling via the Port of Dover or via the Eurostar or the Eurotunnel (leaving the UK at Folkestone), you’ll need to complete the EES process when passing through passport control in the UK when departing. This is because there is a dual border at these departure points – for both Britain and France. When leaving the Schengen area via port, Eurostar or Eurotunnel, you may need to provide your fingerprint or photo too.
UK travellers going to the Schengen area by Eurostar from London St Pancras International will be required to use self-service pre-registration kiosks. They will be located in three different areas of the station. You’ll need to make a stop at these before going through the ticket barriers.
You may be questioning how long the queues will be at peak times. There’s no need to worry. The UK government pledged £10.5 million to prepare the Eurostar, Eurotunnel and the port of Dover for the EU digital border system. Also, the government will continue to work alongside the European Commission, EU member states, local authorities and the travel industry to support operational pressures at UK ports.
It’s wise to have refreshments and rest breaks before reaching the terminals at the port of Dover, especially at peak times, such as bank holidays and half-term. The port also advises travellers to arrive no more than two hours before their scheduled sailing.
While all member states are encouraged to implement biometric EES rules, border authorities have been permitted to switch key biometric functions on and off during peak periods if long delays are likely. At the time of writing, in Dover, French authorities have not turned on the machines to capture fingerprints and photos. However, they are setting up profiles linked to the new entry/exit system.
Also, across the small island destinations in Greece, the registration of biometric technology is being temporarily suspended this summer to keep their borders fluid and ensure smooth travel for UK Nationals.
Manual passport stamping will end because the EES is set to replace it. So, border control should be less time-consuming. Only in Cyprus and Ireland will a passport be stamped manually.
If UK travellers travel regularly to the EU, they’ll only need to register and submit their fingerprints and provide a facial biometric once every three years. Then, after their first visit to the region, only their facial biometrics will be used.
When walking through the EES System with a valid passport, they’ll have the freedom to travel around the EU. Then, when they need to renew their passport, they will only be required to register a new facial biometric registration.
View some travel advice on passports to ensure you have the freedom to travel.
It’s important to note that the EES registration will take more time to complete. As such, you may wait longer at border control when the system gets up and running. The Gov UK website states that the EES checks should take around 1-2 minutes per person.
The biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) is a niche technology that has been developed and managed by the eu-LISA (European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice). The eu-LISA aims to collect valid and reliable data at border control throughout the European Union.
The eu-LISA’S objectives for the EES are:
Since the phasing-in of the EES on Sunday 12th October 2025, the European Commission has reported that registrations have increased. Plus, early security benefits have emerged, such as the detection of overstays and document fraud. For instance, 30,000 travellers have been refused entry, and 700 people have been identified as a security threat.
Collecting biometrics can have an impact on a traveller’s privacy. However, the technology used ensures that travellers’ fundamental rights are protected.
During peak times (Bank holiday weekends and the summer holidays), there could be significant delays at airports and longer waits at busy ports. So, give yourself additional time when travelling to the port or airport for your holiday. Your travel insurance policy is unlikely to include cover for loss incurred due to delays caused by EES queues. On arrival, you’ll need to submit your biometric details at the Schengen border. It is not currently possible to register biometric details in advance of the border.
Due to the success of the EES, another large-scale IT system is due to follow, called the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). The ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation system that will include an additional fee as part of the authorisation process. It’s for visa-exempt visitors – a visa-waiver.
Again, it will apply to all British passport holders to tighten security and border controls. Also, it will be valid for three years, or until a passport is invalid. However, it can be completed online before leaving home, instead of going through border control.
Currently, there is a €20 fee for the ETIAS as part of the authorisation process. Compared to the price of other travel documents and visas, this price appears reasonable. The ETIAS is set to go live in the autumn of 2026.
Visit the EU’s official travel website for up-to-date information on what will be required.
If you’re planning a holiday to Europe, the EES is one more hoop to jump through. We hope we have provided all the essential travel advice and information about the EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System.
For further advice, visit the Gov UK website or refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website.
To help you travel with confidence in Europe, take one of our travel insurance products along for the adventure.
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