Wed, 24 Sep 2025

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 How will the EU's new border system work?

The EU's much-delayed Entry/Exit System will change the way UK passengers travel to 29 countries.

* From October 12, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be gradually introduced at UK-Europe borders.
* EES is a digital system that tracks non-EU citizens entering and leaving the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries.
* The new system will eventually replace manual passport checks and stamping.
* At first, coach passengers at Dover will use EES on October 12, followed by other tourist traffic on November 1.
* Eurostar terminals will introduce EES more gradually, starting with business travelers on October 12.
* Passengers from most non-EU countries, including the UK, will have to register biometric information and scan their passport at kiosks or with a border officer.
* Children under 12 won't need to provide fingerprints.
* The system will be phased in over six months, with all borders expected to be using EES by April 10, 2026.
* Concerns have been raised that the new system could lead to long queues, particularly at Dover.
* Travel hubs are taking steps to minimize disruption, including introducing kiosks and mobile phone apps for registration.
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