EU border biometrics rollout begins at UK ports

A new European Union border control system requiring non-EU visitors to register biometric data at entry points began rolling out on Sunday, with checks already operating at UK locations including London St Pancras, the Port of Dover and the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone. The entryexit system, known as EES, will be phased across Schengen ports and airports over the next six months and requires third country nationals, including most British travellers, to have their photograph and fingerprints recorded when entering the Schengen area.

Officials said the system is designed to strengthen border security and better track entries and exits. Once a traveller has registered their biometrics they will not normally need to re-register for three years, and in many locations registered travellers should be able to use digital e-gates and avoid passport stamping. Implementation details will be decided by individual Schengen states, meaning procedures and queuing arrangements will vary by port until the roll-out completes around April 2026.

The new process prompted concerns about potential delays and longer queues, particularly for one-off visitors who must register on arrival....