EU fingerprint and photo travel rules come into force
EU Fingerprint and Photo Travel Rules Go Live
The European Union’s new digital border system, mandating biometric data such as fingerprints and photos in addition to passport scans, becomes fully operational this Friday. This marks the final deadline for the Entry/Exit System (EES) to be implemented across all 29 Schengen border points. While the rollout began in October, some locations have yet to complete full integration due to technical challenges. Reports of extended waiting times at European airports have emerged, with concerns that congestion may intensify during peak travel seasons.
System Overview and Functionality
The EES is designed to track the movements of non-EU citizens, including UK nationals, within the Schengen Area. This region, comprising 29 countries, allows free movement without internal border checks. Under the updated process, travelers must register their biometric information—fingerprints and a photograph—when entering the area. This replaces the traditional method of passport stamps, aiming to create a more efficient and secure entry system.
Implementation varies by location. At European airports, the process occurs upon arrival, while those departing from the UK via ferry, Eurotunnel, or Eurostar will complete it before leaving. For instance, passengers at Dover’s port began using the system in October, but vehicle travelers remain on hold. Eurotunnel has installed 49 EES kiosks at its London St Pancras terminal, though manual checks are still in use for some routes.
Challenges and Adjustments
Travel experts have highlighted issues with the system’s early rollout, citing IT problems and long queues at key points. The European Commission has permitted temporary suspension of EES checks during busy periods to alleviate delays. At Geneva, a popular UK tourist destination, significant delays were recorded earlier this year due to the system’s implementation.
Specific adjustments are being made at Dover. The port has expanded its processing area by reclaiming land from the sea, creating a new zone a mile from the terminal. Coaches will be sealed after biometric checks, allowing them to proceed directly to ferries. Schoolchildren will also benefit from pre-registration options, enabling them to present only their passports at the border.
“The system at some points has been blighted by IT issues, and long queues can form where travellers are unable to use the system with ease,” said a travel expert to the BBC.
The EES registration remains valid for three years, with data verified on each trip within that period. Despite its challenges, the system is intended to eventually simplify cross-border travel. However, not all points will be fully operational by Friday, with Milan and Lisbon airports among those delayed.
