Overview
- The EU will begin phasing in its biometric Entry/Exit System on 12 October 2025, with full operation targeted by 10 April 2026 and passport stamping continuing during the transition.
- Non‑EU travellers, including UK passport holders, will provide a facial image and fingerprints on first use to create a digital record valid for three years, with children under 12 exempt from fingerprinting.
- At UK departure points with French controls—Dover, Eurotunnel Folkestone and Eurostar St Pancras—EES registration will occur before leaving the UK, requiring vehicle occupants to use kiosks and, in many cases, exit cars.
- Eurotunnel/Getlink says it has installed 224 kiosks and will start with coaches and lorry drivers before adding car passengers, projecting only up to two minutes extra per person as airlines and analysts caution longer queues and possible delays.
- Government and industry messages urge travellers to plan for extra time as awareness remains low in surveys, and EES will not apply for trips to Ireland or Cyprus.