Overview

• Non‑EU travellers, including UK passport holders, will have fingerprints and a facial image taken on first entry as the Entry/Exit System replaces manual passport stamps over time.
• The rollout begins on Oct. 12 and will expand over six months, with full operation targeted for April 10, 2026, and passport stamping continuing during the transition.
• Readiness varies by country: the Czech Republic, Estonia and Luxembourg plan day‑one coverage, Germany starts at Düsseldorf, and Spain begins with limited testing at Madrid‑Barajas.
• At UK juxtaposed controls, French officers will conduct EES processing: Dover and Folkestone start with freight and coaches on Oct. 12, passenger cars follow later, and Eurostar will phase in procedures.
• Registration is free, no pre‑travel action is required, records are retained for three years, children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting, and authorities say initial checks may add a few minutes and lengthen queues.