Summary
The European Union is introducing a new digital border system called the Entry/Exit System (EES) starting October 12. This system will keep track of when non-EU citizens enter and leave the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries. Passengers from the UK will have to register biometric information like fingerprints and photos, which may initially result in long lines.
Key Facts
- EES is a digital system for tracking non-EU citizens entering and leaving the Schengen Area.
- The Schengen Area includes 29 countries where EU citizens can travel without border checks.
- EES will start on October 12 and be phased in over six months, aiming to fully roll out by April 2026.
- Passengers will register by having their passports scanned and providing biometric data like fingerprints.
- Children under 12 are exempt from giving fingerprints.
- Registration is valid for three years and verified on each trip.
- Concerns include possible long lines, especially in crowded areas like the port of Dover.
- EES is expected to replace the current manual passport stamping system.
