Overview
- The European Union has resumed full enforcement of the Entry/Exit System for all third-country nationals, which took effect on Monday and ends the temporary option for member states to pause biometric checks.
- EES requires non-EU travellers to register a photograph and fingerprints linked to a passport that stays valid for three years and treats renewed passports as new records.
- Border operators report continuing faults at some kiosks and processing points, with problems logged at Port of Dover and St Pancras and French sites, while the European Commission has offered targeted operational support to affected states.
- Travellers can reduce on-the-day processing by using the Travel to Europe pre-registration app at participating crossings, must allow extra time at busy borders, and should re-enrol if they hold a new passport.
- The system was introduced after delays and a troublesome spring rollout that caused long queues and missed flights, and industry groups including IATA and airport bodies warn that unresolved equipment and staffing shortfalls could disrupt travel this autumn unless resources and coordination improve.