Traveling to the EU is about to change in 2025 with the introduction of the new Entry/Exit System (EES). This means anyone traveling to or from most European countries without an EU passport will need to have their biometrics—fingerprints and a photograph—recorded and checked every time they visit. There are concerns that this could lead to long queues at airports and ports once the rules take effect. Processing time per passenger is expected to increase from around 45 seconds to two or three minutes.
Why is the EES being introduced?
EU officials describe the EES as an “automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals traveling for short stays each time they cross the external borders of European countries.” The goal is to strengthen border security in response to terrorist threats. The new system will replace the old practice of manually stamping passports and will apply to all non-EU travelers.
Which countries will use the EES?
The system will be adopted by 29 countries, including all EU members except Cyprus and Ireland. It will also apply in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Travelers with passports from any of these countries—including Cyprus and Ireland—won’t need to go through the process.
What will the process look like?
For airline passengers arriving in EES countries, the experience will vary depending on the airport’s size. At larger airports, travelers will be directed to self-service kiosks (similar to those in US airports) to answer multiple-choice questions, scan their fingerprints, and take a photo before proceeding to border control as usual. At smaller airports, border officers will handle the photo, fingerprints, and questions directly at the checkpoint.
How will this affect ferries and the Channel Tunnel?
There are major concerns about delays at the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone, where French border checks happen on UK soil.
Officials estimate that processing time for a family in a car will jump from under a minute to five to seven minutes. This significant increase has led Kent authorities to warn of potential gridlock and “welfare concerns for passengers,” with queues possibly stretching up to 15 hours in the worst-case scenario.
Earlier this year, Ashford Borough Council wrote to MPs on the European scrutiny committee, expressing worries. They pointed out that the Port of Dover has very little space between the Eastern Docks roundabout and the French customs booths—the only area where EES registration can happen. This, they warned, could cause major delays for all tourist traffic entering the port.
What about Eurostar?
Eurostar, the rail service linking the UK to mainland Europe, has reportedly spent over €10 million (£8.5m) preparing for the new system. They’ve installed 49 EES kiosks at London’s St Pancras station. Passengers who need to complete the EES process will be directed to one of three kiosk areas upon arrival. Additional kiosks will also be in place in Paris.
What else is changing?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a visa-waiver program similar to the US ESTA, is set to launch in mid-2025. Travelers will apply online or via a mobile app, and their details will be checked against EU security databases. Most applications will be approved within minutes, though some could take up to 30 days. The ETIAS will be valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires (whichever comes first) and will cost €7 (£6) for those aged 18 to 70. It’s free for people outside this age range.