Overview

• The EU will phase in the Entry/Exit System from Oct. 12 with full operation targeted by April 2026, with passport stamping continuing during the transition and a reported period of “double red tape” likely in early 2026.
• Non‑EU short‑stay visitors, including UK passport holders, will provide fingerprints and a facial image on first entry to create a digital record that remains valid for three years and may be checked again on exit.
• Biometric enrollment can occur before departure for travelers using Dover, Eurotunnel Folkestone, or London St Pancras, where border checks are conducted prior to leaving the UK.
• Fresh FCDO guidance highlights expected longer waits once EES goes live, and reporting notes initial flexibility in the first weeks on collecting biometrics and scope to scale checks to ease congestion.
• Travelers are reminded to meet Schengen passport rules on issue and expiry dates and to ensure documents are undamaged, with experts warning that refusals for damaged passports may not be covered by travel insurance; surveys also show low public awareness and reluctance to travel under the new rules.