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2h ago

EU Begins Biometric Border Checks for Non‑EU Travelers

First-time visitors will enroll fingerprints and a facial photo to replace passport stamps as countries scale up over six months with options to pause checks to manage queues.

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Overview

  • Entry/Exit System went live on October 12 across Schengen external borders (excluding Ireland and Cyprus), creating a digital record valid for three years or until passport expiry.
  • On first entry, travellers must register by scanning their passport and providing fingerprints and a photo; subsequent trips use biometric verification, and refusal to give biometrics can mean refusal of entry.
  • Rollout is phased to full operation by April 10, 2026, with some borders continuing passport stamps during transition and authorities empowered to suspend checks if lines grow too long.
  • At UK juxtaposed controls, checks occur before departure: Dover and Eurotunnel start with freight and coaches now, car traffic follows in November, and Eurostar begins gradually with some business travellers.
  • Airports and ports have installed new kiosks and the UK has provided £10.5m for infrastructure, while travel groups advise allowing extra time during early operations; ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is expected in 2026.