Traveling to Europe? Prepare for New Fingerprint and Facial Scans at the Border
A major shift in European border control is underway, and it will soon impact millions of travelers. The European Union is moving forward with a large-scale plan to register the fingerprints and facial images of all non-EU nationals arriving for short stays. This new, automated system represents one of the most significant updates to Schengen Area border management in years, aiming to enhance security and streamline entry procedures.
If you are a non-EU citizen planning a trip to Europe, understanding these changes is essential for a smooth journey.
The End of Passport Stamps: Introducing the Entry/Exit System (EES)
This initiative is formally known as the Entry/Exit System (EES). Its primary function is to replace the traditional, manual stamping of passports with a modern, digital process. Instead of an ink stamp, your entry and exit data will be recorded in a secure electronic database.
The core of the EES involves the collection of biometric data. Upon your first entry into the Schengen Area under the new rules, you will be required to provide:
- Four fingerprints
- A live facial image (a photograph taken at the border)
This biometric profile will be linked to your passport information and stored in the central EES database for several years. On subsequent visits, the border crossing process is expected to be faster, as your identity can be quickly verified using your stored biometrics.
Who Will This New System Affect?
This new requirement applies to all non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals traveling for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). This includes two main groups of travelers:
- Visa-Required Travelers: Individuals who need a short-stay Schengen visa to enter the EU.
- Visa-Exempt Travelers: Citizens of countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand who can currently enter the Schengen Area without a visa.
EU citizens and those holding a residence permit for an EU country are not subject to these EES checks.
Key Goals Behind the Biometric Data Collection
The implementation of the EES is driven by several key objectives aimed at strengthening the security and efficiency of the Schengen external borders.
- Enhanced Security: By creating a database of all non-EU visitors, law enforcement agencies will have a powerful tool to prevent cross-border crime, identify individuals using fraudulent documents, and combat terrorism.
- Improved Border Management: Automating the entry and exit process is intended to reduce queues and processing times at busy airports and land borders, although initial implementation may cause temporary delays.
- Accurate Tracking of Stays: The EES will automatically calculate how long a visitor has been in the Schengen Area, making it much easier for authorities to reliably identify individuals who have overstayed their authorized visit. This eliminates the confusion and potential errors associated with manual passport stamps.
How to Prepare for Your Next Trip to Europe
While the system is designed for security and long-term efficiency, travelers should be aware of the new procedures. Here are a few practical tips to ensure you are prepared:
- Stay Informed: Before you travel, check the latest official guidance from the European Union regarding the implementation timeline for the Entry/Exit System.
- Allow Extra Time: Especially during the initial rollout phase, there may be delays at border control as travelers and staff adjust to the new process. Plan for extra time at your port of entry.
- Have Your Documents Ready: Ensure your passport is valid and easily accessible. Be prepared to follow instructions from border guards for the fingerprinting and facial scanning process.
- Understand Your Data Rights: Your biometric data is protected under the EU’s strict data protection regulations (GDPR). You have the right to access your personal data and request corrections if it is inaccurate.
Ultimately, the transition to biometric checks marks a new era for international travel to Europe. It brings the region’s border controls in line with similar systems used by other countries around the world, focusing on a future of technologically advanced and more secure international borders.
Source: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/09/25/eu_entry_exit_system/
