Entry-Exit System has been introduced by EU

the European Union has introduced the Entry-Exit System (EES), a Europe-wide scheme designed to document the entries and exits of non-EU nationals in the Schengen Area. The system aims to improve border security and efficiency by replacing traditional passport stamping with biometric registration.

EuroAirport has confirmed that the majority of passengers will not be affected. EU citizens, Swiss travellers and those with valid residence permits for the EU or Switzerland can continue to travel as usual. The gradual launch is expected to limit overall disruption, although delays may occur at peak periods.

At EuroAirport, border authorities have installed dedicated kiosks to collect biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, and adapted infrastructure for checks. EuroAirport has also introduced a support service with floorwalkers, enhanced signage, information displays and online guidance to help travellers.

Non-EU citizens, including British travellers, must register at the border by scanning their passport and providing fingerprints and a photograph. Registration is valid for three years or until the passport expires. For subsequent visits, travellers only need to scan their passport and provide either fingerprints or a photograph. Children under 12 will not be fingerprinted, though photographs will still be taken.

The system will operate at Schengen countries including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, but not in Ireland or Cyprus. For travellers departing the UK via the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, or Eurostar at St Pancras International, registration will occur in the UK prior to departure. The government has provided £10.5 million to prepare ports and operators for the new system.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said: “We recognise that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible.”

Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, Keir Mather, added: “Our priority is to minimise disruption for travellers and hauliers, particularly at our busiest border crossings. We’ll continue working closely with European partners and local resilience forums to keep traffic flowing and journeys smooth.”

Travellers do not need to take action before travelling and the process is free. Registration will take place upon arrival at the EU border, taking around 1–2 minutes per person, though queues may be longer during busy periods.

The EES will replace passport stamping for all non-EU citizens, helping authorities monitor compliance with the 90-day visa-free travel rule and strengthen border control.

SIGN ME UP