The EU is launching a biometric border control system on October 12.

From October 12, 2025, the European Union will introduce a new Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU countries citizens. It will replace manual stamping of passports and will record entries and exits in digital format using fingerprints and facial scanning.

Biometric data registration will be required at the first entry into the Schengen area — at the borders of EU countries (except for Ireland and Cyprus), as well as in Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The system will be implemented gradually and will be fully operational by April 2026.

The EES aims to enhance security and speed up border control, as well as assist in combating overstays and migration fraud. Children under 12 years old will only undergo photo identification, without fingerprint submission.

Checks will be conducted at airports, ports, railway stations, and car border crossings. In the UK, the system will start operating at Eurotunnel and Eurostar terminals, as well as at the Port of Dover under the control of French border guards.

To apply for a Schengen visa for travel to EU countries, you can go through a visa agency www.buch-dein-visum.de — it is convenient, fast, and error-free! Experts will help prepare all the documents and avoid delays when entering Europe.