EES Postponed to 2025: UK Travelers to Face Fingerprint Scans at All EU Entry Points

As summer approaches, British travelers heading to Europe need to prepare for potential delays at Schengen borders. The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) has been postponed until at least November 2025. This means UK nationals will need to exit their vehicles for fingerprint and facial scans upon arrival.

Increased Border Check Times for UK Nationals

UK citizens planning trips to Europe this summer should brace for longer wait times at the border. The rollout of the EES, designed to streamline border processes, has been delayed. Instead of enjoying a seamless entry, travelers will need to stop for biometric checks, which include fingerprinting and facial recognition.

Doug Bannister, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, confirmed that manual checks will be in place until the EES is operational. This situation will affect anyone entering the Schengen Area by car or bus.

Reasons Behind the Delay in the EES

The EES was anticipated to improve border control by replacing traditional passport stamping with a biometric system. However, development issues have led to its postponement. Bannister noted that the app is unlikely to be ready before November 2025, although a later launch is possible.

To manage this transition, the Port of Dover has expanded its facilities, reclaiming land to support passenger checks.

Required Biometric Checks for Travelers

Until the EES launches, all UK travelers must complete specific checks at EU borders:

• First Trip: Fingerprints and facial images will be collected.
• Digital Linking: Passport numbers will connect to biometric data.
• Subsequent Trips: Data will be verified for entry.
• Manual Passport Stamping: This will continue, increasing processing time.

Even frequent visitors will need to exit their vehicles for verification each time until the automated system is in place.

No E-Gate Access for UK Travelers

British citizens will not have access to e-gates at EU borders until the EES is fully operational. This restriction means longer processing times and queues for all UK passport holders. A bilateral agreement between the UK and EU ensures that these manual checks will persist until at least October 2025 unless the app is ready sooner.

Tips for Travelers to Prepare

To minimize delays during busy travel periods, UK tourists should:

• Arrive Early: Plan to reach ports and borders ahead of time, especially at Dover.
• Expect Queues: Be ready for long waits and prepare to exit vehicles.
• Carry Documents: Ensure valid passports and necessary travel paperwork are on hand.
• Group Awareness: If traveling in groups, make sure everyone understands the process to avoid confusion.
• Stay Informed: Check updates from the Port of Dover or EU travel advisories.

Looking Ahead: Will Travel Normalize?

Currently, travelers face a “business as usual” scenario, but manual checks will likely lead to longer wait times, especially during peak season. Once the biometric app is launched, travel should improve significantly, eliminating the need for passport stamps and speeding up re-entry for returning visitors.

Conclusion

With the EES rollout now delayed, UK travelers must prepare for increased scrutiny at EU borders this summer and beyond. The manual fingerprinting and facial recognition checks will remain until at least November 2025. Although this may cause some inconvenience, early preparation and awareness can significantly ease the travel experience.

Stay updated on the latest travel regulations to ensure a smooth journey to Europe.