Travelers from the United Kingdom, the United States, and other non-EU countries should brace for a significant shift in how they cross European borders starting October 12, 2025. The European Union is rolling out its long-anticipated Entry/Exit System (EES), replacing the familiar ritual of passport stamping with a high-tech, automated process designed to streamline travel and bolster security across 29 European countries—including all 25 EU member states and four Schengen Associated nations like Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
According to Birmingham Live and statements from major travel operators, the EES will digitally record each traveler’s entry and exit, collecting biometric data such as facial photographs and fingerprints. The aim, as outlined by the European Commission, is to modernize border management, detect overstayers, and crack down on document and identity fraud, all while maintaining strict data privacy protections. "The EES is an advanced technological system that will digitally record the entries and exits of non-EU nationals travelling to 29 European countries, including Schengen Associated ones, for short stays," a European Commission spokesperson explained. "It will capture biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial image, and other travel information, gradually replacing the current system of passport stamping."
For travelers, this means that manual passport stamps are out, and electronic records are in. When entering the Schengen zone, travelers will have their biometric data collected at the border—unless they are under 12 years old, in which case fingerprinting is not required. The new process applies whether entering by air, sea, or land, and affects non-EU nationals visiting for short stays, which includes most tourists and business travelers.
The transition won’t happen overnight. The EES will be phased in gradually over six months, with full implementation expected by April 2026. This measured rollout is intended to give border authorities, transport operators, and travelers time to adapt to the new procedures. The UK Foreign Office has issued updated guidance, warning that travelers "may experience longer wait times at passport control while the system is being rolled out." The same goes for American travelers, who are being urged to ensure they have the correct security registration before arriving at European borders from October 12 onward, as reported by The US Sun.
So, what exactly will happen at the border? For first-time visitors after the system goes live, officers will scan all ten fingerprints and take a facial photograph. This information will be stored securely in a central EU database and used to verify identity on future trips, making subsequent crossings faster. As the European Commission puts it, "The EES will modernise and improve the management of EU external borders. It will provide reliable data on border crossings, systematically detect overstayers as well as cases of document and identity fraud."
For returning travelers, the process will be quicker. "The passport control officers will only verify your fingerprints and photo, which will take less time," the EU explained. In rare cases, travelers may need to re-submit their biometric data, but generally, once fingerprints are recorded, they won’t need to be provided again for three years. Children under 12 are entirely exempt from fingerprinting, a detail confirmed by both EasyJet and Eurotunnel in their respective announcements.
Major transport hubs across the UK and Europe are preparing for the change. Eurostar, for instance, has invested £11 million to overhaul its border facilities at London St Pancras, installing 49 new kiosks—almost double the number recommended by French officials. According to Eurotunnel CEO Yann Leriche, their Folkestone terminal will feature 224 kiosks capable of processing 700 vehicles per hour at peak times. During recent demonstrations, most testers completed the process in just two minutes. "As you will see, EES will have a minimal impact, not exactly zero, but a minimal impact on the time to cross the Channel," Leriche said, estimating an average of two extra minutes per journey.
Eurotunnel will begin processing coaches and lorries with the EES on October 12, 2025, and will start registering car passengers before the end of the year, aiming for full adoption by April 2026. The process involves drivers pulling under a large white canopy to a kiosk displaying their registration plate, then exiting the vehicle to scan passports and provide biometric data. For those worried about delays, Leriche offered reassurance: "Anyone who is not ready is not because it was impossible or a huge challenge... they are just saying they didn’t do a good job." He expressed concern that complaints from less-prepared operators might deter people from traveling abroad, but insisted Eurotunnel is ready for the change.
Airports and ports elsewhere are also making preparations, though readiness varies. At Eurostar, the new system will be in place from October, and passengers will be registered when they land. For travelers using the Port of Dover, the Channel Tunnel, or Eurostar, checks will occur at the point of departure from the UK. The Foreign Office notes that "EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts."
For American travelers, there are a few additional wrinkles to keep in mind. The EES is separate from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which is slated to launch in late 2026. While the EES handles border processing and tracks entries and exits, ETIAS will require travelers to apply online and pay a fee before their trip—much like the U.S. ESTA program. For now, Americans must simply ensure they comply with the "90 days within any 180-day period" rule for visa-free travel, as the EES will automatically track the length of each stay and flag any overstays, which could result in fines or future travel restrictions.
To help smooth the process, some countries will offer self-service kiosks or mobile apps for travelers to pre-register their data in advance. The EU advises, "You can do this by using the dedicated equipment [‘self-service system’], if available at your border crossing point; and/or a mobile application – if made available by the country of arrival or departure." Even with these options, the first entry after October 12 may take longer, but the long-term goal is to make border crossings faster and more secure for everyone.
As the EES rollout approaches, travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines, train operators, or ferry companies for the latest updates, and to allow extra time at the border, especially during the initial months of implementation. The changes mark a new era in European travel, blending technology and security with the promise of smoother journeys ahead—at least once everyone gets used to the new routine.
