Biometric Checks to Replace Passport Stamps at EU Borders from 12 October
Starting 12 October, passport stamps for travellers entering and exiting the European Union will be replaced by biometric checks under the new Entry/Exit System (EES), EU officials have confirmed. The system, which will roll out across member states over six months until 10 April 2026, aims to enhance border security and streamline checks for non-EU citizens, including UK travellers.
Under the EES, UK nationals and other non-EU citizens will need to provide fingerprints and facial scans alongside passport details at their point of departure, such as airports, ports, or train stations. Dedicated booths will facilitate the process, and the data will be stored for three years, allowing quicker verification on subsequent trips. Travellers with ePassports can use e-gates where available, and there is no cost for registration.
Refusal to provide biometric data will result in denied entry to the EU. For most tourists, digital records will be retained for three years and one day, but those overstaying the 90-day visa-free limit will have their data held for five years.