New EU rules require fingerprints and facial images at Schengen borders
From October 12, the European Union will begin phasing in the Entry/Exit System (EES) across the 29 Schengen countries that maintain border controls. Non-EU travelers aged 11 and over will be required to register passport details, facial images and fingerprints on first entry, creating a biometric record retained by the system for up to three years, or five years if no exit is recorded. The EES replaces routine passport stamping and in many cases will substitute automated biometric checks for manual identity verification at border crossings.
The EU Agency eu-LISA will operate the system and store passport data, entry and exit dates and locations, refusals of entry, facial images and fingerprints in a biometric matching service. Authorities say EES will speed up border processing, strengthen security and support enforcement of the short-stay rule that limits non-EU visitors to 90 days in any 180-day period. The system’s roll-out was delayed several years but now moves ahead with national and transport operators preparing infrastructure and processes.
In the UK, where European border checks are hosted for some cross-Channel services, operators have equipped terminals with registration kiosks. Dover, Eurotunnel and St Pancras will host kiosks funded by UK authorities; operators have deployed self-service devices and staff to assist travelers. Eurostar will invite premier ticket holders and members to register first and then expand to all passengers, while Eurotunnel plans staged roll-out across coaches, lorries and private cars.
Looking ahead, the EU will introduce the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in late 2026: a €20 three-year travel authorisation for most visa-exempt nationalities, including citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Privacy groups have raised concerns about the breadth of biometric and travel data collected and retained, stressing the need for strict data protection safeguards, proportionate retention rules and robust oversight of automated processing.
