EU fingerprint and photo travel rules come into force

EU Fingerprint and Photo Travel Rules Begin Implementation

Starting Friday, the EU’s updated digital border system, which requires fingerprint and photo capture along with a passport scan, will be fully operational. This marks the completion of the Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout across all 29 Schengen Area countries.

The gradual introduction of EES began on 12 October, with the goal of phasing it in over six months. However, some entry points have faced challenges, leading to prolonged wait times at certain European airports. The system’s rollout was delayed in some areas, resulting in extended queues and concerns about potential bottlenecks during peak travel periods.

System Overview and Purpose

The EES tracks the movement of non-EU citizens, including UK nationals, within the Schengen Area. This region spans 29 European countries, most of which are EU members, allowing for free movement without internal border checks. Destinations like France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece—popular with UK visitors—will now be part of this process.

Travel experts have told the BBC that the system has encountered IT issues, causing delays and long queues during peak travel times. These problems are expected to persist, particularly during holiday seasons.

Entry Point Variations

For air travelers, EES registration occurs upon arrival at European airports. For those crossing via ferry from Dover or using the Eurotunnel shuttle to France, the process will take place as they depart the UK. Special kiosks will be used to scan passports and collect biometric data, though manual checks are still in use at some locations.

Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint collection. During registration, travelers will encounter four questions on the screen, such as confirming their accommodation and financial status. At Eurotunnel, these inquiries will be made by border officers on a discretionary basis.

Infrastructure Adjustments

At Dover, the port has expanded its processing capacity by reclaiming land from the sea, creating an additional area for EES checks. Coaches will be sealed after completing their checks and then proceed to catch ferries. Eurostar has installed 49 EES kiosks at three locations in its London St Pancras terminal, though manual verification is currently the norm.

The European Commission has indicated that EES checks may be suspended during busy periods until September to ease congestion. Not all European airports will activate the system on Friday, including Milan and Lisbon. The EES registration remains valid for three years, with details verified on each trip during that time.