ENGLAND, UK – Travellers from the UK heading into the European Union will no longer receive passport stamps at border crossings starting October 12, as the EU rolls out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) across member states.
The digital system—initially scheduled for launch in 2023 but delayed by technical issues—will replace manual passport stamping with biometric registration, requiring fingerprint scans and facial recognition for non-EU visitors, including UK nationals.
EU officials confirmed the six-month phased rollout will run until April 10, 2026, when the system will be fully operational across all entry points.
How It Works
Under the EES, non-EU travellers will be required to register their biometric data and passport details at their first point of entry—whether by air, sea, or rail—using specially installed self-service kiosks.
Once enrolled, their digital record will remain valid for three years, meaning future visits will only require a biometric scan for entry verification. There will be no charge for registration.
Passengers with ePassports will also be eligible to use automated e-gates—though only after they’ve completed EES registration.
What It Means for Travellers
The new system is aimed at improving border security and reducing bottlenecks at EU ports of entry.
However, UK authorities have warned passengers to prepare for possible delays, especially during peak travel periods.
“Be prepared to wait during busy times,” said the UK Foreign Office in a June advisory. Each registration could take several minutes, particularly for first-time travellers under the new regime.
The EU insists the system will eventually streamline border processing, reducing congestion by eliminating the need for manual passport stamping and repeated checks.
Impact on Road and Rail Travel
Concerns remain about the effect on cross-Channel travel, including at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel’s Folkestone terminal, and St Pancras International, where French border checks are conducted on UK soil.
Travellers in vehicles will be provided with hand-held registration devices to avoid extended wait times.
E-Gate Access Coming for UK Travellers
In a May 2025 agreement between the EU and UK, it was confirmed that UK nationals will be allowed to use EU e-gates—but only after they are registered in the EES database.
Some countries, including Germany and Bulgaria, already allow UK citizens to use e-gates at select airports, although this is not yet universal.
What Happens If You Overstay?
For most visitors, biometric records will be retained for three years and one day. However, those who overstay the EU’s 90-day limit without a visa will have their data kept on file for five years.
Travellers who refuse to provide their biometric information will be denied entry into the EU.
