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3d ago

EU Confirms October Start for Digital Border System Requiring Biometric Checks

The phased rollout of the Entry/Exit System will replace passport stamps with fingerprint and facial scans, sparking concerns over delays at key transit points.

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Overview

  • The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) will launch in October 2025, with all member states required to adopt it within six months.
  • Non-EU nationals, including Britons, must provide biometric data—fingerprints and facial scans—on their first visit under the new system.
  • The EES aims to replace manual passport stamping and enhance security by digitally tracking visitors' stays in the EU.
  • Travel operators warn of significant delays, with car processing times at the Channel Tunnel expected to rise from under one minute to five-seven minutes.
  • Following the EES rollout, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is set to launch in autumn 2026, requiring a €7 visa waiver for short stays.