Overview

• From 12 October, non‑EU passengers entering or leaving 29 Schengen and associated states will have fingerprints and a facial photo taken, with children aged 11 and under exempt from fingerprinting.
• Manual passport stamping will continue during a six‑month transition, with full EES operation targeted for 10 April 2026.
• Pre‑registration to speed checks is largely unavailable at launch, with Sweden the only country confirming use of Frontex’s Travel to Europe app.
• UK routes to Schengen will conduct exit checks at St Pancras, Dover and Eurotunnel terminals, as France and Germany limit initial checks to reduce queues.
• Logistics UK warns of potential Short Straits delays and £400m annual costs from 90‑minute hold‑ups, urging remote registration and a professional‑driver exemption, while separate ETIAS authorisation is not expected until late 2026 and officials warn about fake application sites.