EU reveals (latest) start date for EES biometric passport checks

It's been delayed several times before, but we now have the new start date for the EES border control system.

According to the latest European Commission report, the system will come into effect on October 12th, 2025.

However due to concerns about readiness, the introduction will be phased, with the system set to become compulsory at all the EU/Schengen zone's entry and exit points within six months of that date - taking us to April 2026.

The EES website tells travellers: "European countries using the EES will introduce the system gradually at their external borders. This means your data may not be collected at every border crossing point right away."

There had been concerns about readiness, especially at the busy UK-France crossing, where bosses at the Port of Dover had warned of long delays.

This will be followed by the introduction of the ETIAS travel authorisation which is currently set for the final quarter of 2026.

As The Local reported last week, the initial €7 fee for the ETIAS travel authorisation will now be €20.

Remind me, what's EES again?

The Entry & Exit System is basically an enhanced passport check in which travellers will have to provide fingerprints and a facial scan.

The purpose of the system is twofold: to increase border security via tougher passport controls and to digitise travellers' entry and exit dates from the Schengen zone, to automatically calculate the 90-day allowance for visa-free travel that citizens of non-EU countries including the UK, USA, Canada and Australia benefit from.

These checks will only occur when entering or leaving the Schengen zone, and will not be required when travelling within the zone, eg from France to Germany.

Only those travelling on a non-EU passport are required to use the EES system, and there are also exemptions for non-EU citizens resident of an EU or Schengen zone country.

Find full details here.

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And what's ETIAS?

ETIAS is a travel authorisation that is required for people travelling on non-EU passports who are making short visits to the EU/Schengen zone - this will mostly affect tourists, but also those paying short visits including family visits. Second-home owners who do not have a visa will be required to have an ETIAS authorisation.

Anyone who is travelling to the EU with a visa is not required to get an ETIAS authorisation.The authorisation must be applied for online in advance of travel - the system is essentially the same as the US Esta visa or the UK's new ETA.

The ETIAS costs €20 and is then valid for three years. Under 18s and over 70s are exempt from the fee.

Find full details here.