"The roll out of Europe's EES biometric border system was due to be stepped up this week across Europe, but what does that mean for travellers heading between France and the UK via Dover, the Eurotunnel or Eurostar terminals?"
"The EES, which collects digital personal records of third country nationals travelling to the Schengen area and replace the manual stamping of passports, was launched on October 12th 2025. The system is being introduced gradually, with Schengen countries having had to register at least 10 percent of estimated border crossings in the first 90 days. But that proportion was officially increased to 35 percent from January 9th and the goal is to reach 100 percent as of April 10th 2026."
European EES biometric border checks were scheduled to be stepped up, potentially causing longer waits for travellers between France and the UK via Dover, Eurotunnel and Eurostar. French authorities have not yet authorised an increase in the number of passengers processed through EES biometric checks. The EES collects digital personal records of third‑country nationals and replaces manual passport stamping; it launched on October 12th 2025. Rollout is gradual: Schengen countries had to register at least 10 percent of estimated crossings in the first 90 days, increased to 35 percent from January 9th, with a 100 percent goal for April 10th 2026. Non‑EU travellers, including UK nationals, must register fingerprints and facial images on first crossing of any external Schengen border. The UK–France border uses juxtaposed checks, so checks occur before departure at specific terminals and none on arrival.
Read at www.thelocal.com
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