EU fingerprint and photo travel rules come into force
EU’s New Digital Border System Activates Friday
The European Union’s updated digital border framework, mandating fingerprint scans and photographic data along with passport checks, will fully launch on Friday. This marks the deadline for the Entry/Exit System (EES) to operate at all Schengen border points across 29 participating nations. The rollout began in October, aiming to enhance security and streamline travel, but challenges have delayed full implementation in some locations.
Challenges During Early Rollout
Technical difficulties have led to extended waiting times at European airports, with concerns about longer delays during peak travel seasons. The EES is designed to monitor the entry and exit of non-EU citizens, including UK nationals, within the Schengen Area—a region comprising 29 countries where border checks are minimal. Popular UK destinations like France, Spain, and Greece are included in this system.
“The process will be smoother once everything is fully operational,” said a European Commission official, though they acknowledged temporary disruptions at busy times.
Biometric Registration Process
Under the EES, travelers will need to register biometric data, including fingerprints and a photo, when their passport is scanned. This replaces the traditional stamping method used by border officers. The first instance of EES checks depends on the destination and time of travel. Air travelers will face the process upon landing, while those using ferries or trains like the Eurotunnel or Eurostar will complete it before leaving the UK.
At Dover, ferry passengers in coaches began using the system in October. However, car travelers have yet to be integrated, with no official start date confirmed. Eurotunnel is also implementing the system incrementally, with some steps postponed until after April 10. At key entry points, travelers will interact with special kiosks that scan passports and capture biometric data, though certain checks may still occur manually.
Operational Adjustments and Exceptions
Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint collection, and staff will assist them during the process. Travelers will also answer four questions on the screen, such as confirming their accommodation and financial status. At Eurotunnel, these questions are handled by border officers on a case-by-case basis. The EES registration remains valid for three years, with biometric data cross-referenced on each trip within that period.
To accommodate the system, Dover has expanded its processing area by reclaiming land from the sea. A new site, located a mile from the ferry terminal, will host EES checks for coach passengers. Once processed, coaches will be sealed and transported to the ferry. School groups will benefit from pre-registration options, reducing wait times at the border.
Future of the System
Despite initial hiccups, the EES aims to modernize border controls. Eurostar has installed 49 kiosks at its London St Pancras terminal, but manual checks are still in use. The system’s full integration is expected to create a more efficient travel experience, though adjustments will be necessary during transitional phases.