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EU Rolls Out Biometric Border Checks Sunday in Phased Schengen Launch

A six‑month transition will keep passport stamping in place, with longer waits likely at selected airports and UK exit points.

Fingerprints and a face photo will be captured by kiosks at the border.
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A Spanish police officer presents the Entry/Exit System (EES) that will require all non-EU citizens to register their personal details, including fingerprints and facial images, when they first enter the Schengen area, at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport in Madrid, Spain, October 9, 2025. REUTERS/Juan Medina

Overview

  • Non‑EU short‑stay travellers will begin EES registration from 12 October, providing a facial image and fingerprints that create a digital record replacing manual stamps once rollout completes by 10 April 2026.
  • Initial deployment varies by country, with Spain testing a single Madrid arrival, Germany starting at Düsseldorf, Greece activating at major airports, Portugal beginning at all external borders, and Switzerland starting at Basel and Geneva.
  • UK departure points hosting French checks will phase in EES on site, with Dover and Eurotunnel processing coaches and freight first from 12 October and car traffic from 1 November, and Eurostar inviting only business and frequent travellers initially.
  • Registration is free, valid for three years, and not required for those whose biometrics are already in the EU Visa Information System; children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.
  • EU citizens and long‑stay permit holders are not affected, data are retained under EU rules, and the system is intended to pave the way for the ETIAS pre‑travel authorisation expected in 2026.