EU to require biometric data under EES for non-EU travellers Oct 12

From Sunday, October 12, non European Union nationals, including British passport holders, will be required to register biometric data when entering the Schengen area under the European Union's new EntryExit System, known as EES. The digital system replaces manual passport stamping at external borders of the Schengen zone and will be introduced progressively across participating crossings, with full implementation scheduled by April 10, 2026.

Under EES, travellers who are not EU or Schengen citizens must provide biometric details at their first entry point after the system goes live. The registration typically takes place at self service kiosks or with border officials and includes a facial image and fingerprints. The digital record will be valid for three years, and on subsequent visits travellers will usually only need to verify their biometric data. Children under 12 will still have their faces scanned but are exempt from fingerprinting.

The EU says the system is designed to strengthen border security, speed up routine checks over time and help enforce the rule that short‑stay visitors may remain in the Schengen area for no more than 90 days within any 180‑day period. Data...