New EU Entry Rules: UK Travellers to Face Fingerprint Scans on Every Visit
UK Travellers Face Delays at EU Borders Until November Due to Biometric Checks & App Delays
UK citizens visiting the EU will be required to undergo fingerprint or facial scans at border checkpoints each time they travel, as the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is not expected to be fully operational until at least November 2025.
Doug Bannister, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, confirmed that summer 2025 will be "business as usual," but a major change is expected in November when EES is scheduled for rollout. He also revealed that the port has reclaimed 13 hectares of land to manage the processing of passengers who will need to leave their vehicles for biometric checks.
"We have been told that any app won’t be ready any time before November, but hopefully it could come swiftly after that," said Bannister.
Until the digital app is launched, all UK travellers will be required to physically exit their cars or buses to submit biometric data — either fingerprints or facial images — during each visit to the Schengen Area. This data will be verified along with their passport numbers for every trip, as part of the EU's move to automate and replace passport stamping.
“Second, third, and fourth time travellers still need to have a biometric captured at the border,” Bannister explained.
In the meantime, UK nationals will also be unable to use e-gates in the EU. Manual passport checks and stamping will continue until the EES system is active. A recent agreement between the EU and UK outlines that manual processing may persist through October 2025, potentially leading to long queues and travel delays — especially during peak holiday seasons.
Authorities have not confirmed how they plan to manage the expected surge in summer traffic under these temporary procedures.
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