EU biometric border checks arrive: how to prepare

The European Union is introducing new biometric border checks that will change how non‑EU travellers enter and exit the Schengen area. Known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), the scheme replaces manual passport stamping with an electronic record and will progressively start operations on 12 October 2025 across 29 participating countries over 180 days, with full deployment expected by 10 April 2026.

This article explains what the new EU biometric border checks mean for travellers, what data will be collected and retained, how the rollout will work in practice, and simple steps you can take to be ready for the change. It draws on official guidance from EU institutions and agencies and practical reports from operators and ports preparing for the progressive start.

What the EES is and the rollout timeline

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a centralised, biometric-enabled register of short-stay entries and exits for non‑EU nationals. The central system is developed and run by eu‑LISA, the EU Agency for large‑scale IT systems, while member states implement capture points and connect national border IT to the central database.

Authorities have set 12 October 2025 as the start date. The rollout is progressive: the system will be switched on across 29 participating countries over a 180‑day period, with a full deployment target of 10 April 2026. The phased approach includes contingency targets (for example, recording 10% of crossings by day 30 and 35% by day 90) to avoid overload.

Because of the progressive start, passport stamping will not disappear everywhere immediately: during the 180‑day period many crossing points will continue stamping passports while others record entries and exits electronically. The phased model responds to earlier technical delays and is intended to make the transition smoother.

Who is affected and practical travel documents

EES applies to non‑EU/EEA/Swiss nationals making short stays (up to 90 days in any 180‑day period). That includes visitors from the UK, the United States, Australia and many other countries that do not need a visa for short stays. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt from EES.

If EES applies to you, carry a valid passport and check its expiry rules in advance; passport validity requirements still apply. Official guidance also recommends allowing extra time at arrival and exit during the rollout and checking whether your first point of entry into the Schengen area will be using EES on your travel date.

Airlines, ferry and rail operators, and border ports are coordinating communications and some pre‑departure checks may change. Follow any instructions from your carrier about check‑in times or document checks that reflect the new biometric procedure.

What biometric data will be collected and why it matters

On first entry under EES, border officers will capture and store a facial image and four fingerprints (a four‑finger flat impression). This creates a biometric record linked to the traveller’s passport and the electronic entry/exit record in the central system.

Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint collection, though a facial image may still be taken for identification. For families travelling with minors, bring supporting documents and any parental consent documentation that may be requested by authorities.

The purpose is both to speed up future border checks and to strengthen checks against overstays and identity fraud. On subsequent visits the system often allows quicker verification using a facial scan against the stored record rather than repeating full fingerprint capture.

Data retention, access and law‑enforcement use

Under the rules, normal EES entry/exit records are retained for three years. If a traveller has no recorded exit after their authorised stay expires, the relevant data may be retained for up to five years to support follow‑up measures; data are automatically erased after the retention period ends.

Access to EES data is subject to safeguards. Authorities may consult records to prevent or detect serious crime under strict conditions and regulated modalities apply for Europol access. Transfers to third countries are allowed only under legal safeguards and oversight frameworks.

Privacy and oversight measures are part of the rollout: the European Commission and eu‑LISA say the campaign was prepared with input from the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) and national supervisory authorities to ensure legal protections and transparency.

What to expect at the border during the phased rollout

Expect longer processing times at some busy ports and terminals while the system is phased in. Operators such as the Port of Dover have warned of slower flows and estimated around six extra minutes per vehicle in some scenarios, although they also state investments are being made to limit disruption.

To manage capacity and reduce system risks, member states may suspend EES at specific crossing points in exceptional circumstances and the phased rollout includes targets to ramp up the load gradually. This reduces the chance of a pan‑EU overload and provides time for local staff training and technical adjustments.

During the transition you may still get a passport stamp at some borders while an electronic record is created at others. Border checks are likely to be more consistent once EES is fully deployed, and those already registered should see faster verification on subsequent crossings, often via a facial scan.

Rights, remedies and practical preparation tips

The EES Regulation gives travellers rights to access, rectify or delete their records where appropriate, and national authorities must provide procedures to contest errors. Agencies have warned of possible transitional issues such as misreads or connectivity errors, so know how to contact border authorities if a problem occurs.

Practical steps: carry a valid passport, allow extra time at arrival/departure during the rollout, check whether your first entry point will be using EES, be prepared to give biometrics on first entry and expect quicker facial scans on return trips. If you travel frequently, check whether your destination country offers a national facilitation or trusted‑traveller programme that can speed processing by using your EES history.

Also plan for ETIAS: the European Travel Information and Authorisation System is a separate authorisation system expected to start in the last quarter of 2026, with a fee of €20 and authorisations valid for three years (or until passport expiry). Travellers who will need ETIAS should apply in advance once it becomes operational.

Families, frequent travellers and what operators are doing

Families should note children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting, but officials may still take facial images. Bring IDs for children and any parental consent documentation that may be required, and check national rules in advance for travelling with minors.

Frequent travellers should research national facilitation programmes (national “trusted traveller” or pre‑cleared lanes) that member states can set up using EES travel history to speed processing. If you travel often to the same country, enrolling in a national programme could reduce wait times.

Transport operators are running information campaigns and updating processes to align with border authorities. Follow your airline, ferry or rail operator’s communications about pre‑departure checks and plan for slight timing changes, especially at major gateways where new procedures will be introduced first.

Strong border management is the policy rationale behind EES. As Kaare Dybvad Bek and other policymakers have said, the system aims to make external borders safer and checks more efficient while ensuring travellers comply with short‑stay rules.

For travellers, the transition requires a bit of planning: check your passport, allow extra time, know that biometrics will be taken on first entry, and be ready to apply for ETIAS when it launches. With preparation and awareness of your rights, you can minimise disruption and benefit from faster future crossings once EES is in full operation.