Overview

• From October 12, non-EU nationals—including British travellers—must register fingerprints and facial images at automated kiosks and present medical insurance, return or onward tickets, accommodation details and proof of funds before entering the Schengen area.
• The Port of Dover, Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone and St Pancras International are being fitted with biometric kiosks and enlarged processing zones to carry out French border checks on UK soil.
• The six-month phased rollout across 29 external EU borders runs through April 10, 2026, with the system automatically cross-referencing entries and exits to detect overstayers.
• Under post-Brexit rules, British visitors without EU residency remain limited to 90 days in any 180-day period and will now face the same digital entry-exit requirements as other third-country nationals.
• Travel industry bodies warn of potential queues and confusion during the initial phase, prompting additional UK government funding and public information campaigns to ease the transition.