EU Launches New Fingerprint Checks, UK Travelers Prepare for Delays

As of March 10, 2024, travelers entering or leaving the Schengen Area will encounter a new security measure: biometric fingerprint checks. This system, known as the Entry-Exit System (EES), is set to be implemented across the 29 countries of the Schengen Area, which includes 25 European Union member states along with Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. UK travelers, in particular, are bracing for possible delays as the system rolls out.

Implementation and Expectations

The EES aims to enhance border security by registering biometric photos and fingerprints of travelers at key entry and exit points. This initiative will allow officials to verify immigration statuses and identify individuals who overstay their visas. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner stated, “We will know who enters the EU when and where. It is the digital backbone of our new approach to border management.”

The rollout of the EES will occur gradually over a six-month period, culminating in full operation by April 10, 2026, at which point manual passport stamps will be phased out. “Rolling out this large-scale IT system across 27 member states is a complex and demanding task, yet one for which we are prepared,” Mr. Brunner added. The staggered implementation allows travelers, member states, and businesses to adapt effectively.

Despite these preparations, UK officials are concerned about potential congestion, particularly during peak travel times like summer holidays. The UK’s Department for Transport has arranged two large sites in Kent to manage overflow from vehicles waiting to cross the Eurotunnel or the port of Dover. Alex Norris, UK Minister for Border Security and Asylum, acknowledged the significant changes that British travelers will face and emphasized ongoing collaboration with European partners to ensure a smooth transition.

Travel Implications and Operational Adjustments

In anticipation of the EES, the UK government has allocated funding to support ports and operators in establishing testing sites. Simon Lejeune, a senior director at Eurostar, expressed optimism about the staggered introduction, stating, “This will help support a smoother operation and enable customers to get used to the EES process.”

While the EES is expected to function similarly to existing e-gates at airports, initial biometric registration may lead to longer processing times. Complaints from travelers experiencing delays are likely, as first-time registrations will be more time-consuming than subsequent checks. Ourania Georgoutsakou, head of the lobby group Airlines for Europe, commented, “Much will depend on how the system will behave on launch day, and on adequate police staffing at the control posts.”

Countries will introduce these checks selectively at various border crossings. For example, the Netherlands plans to implement EES at the ports of Ijmuiden and Eemshaven, with Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport scheduled to begin on November 3, 2025. In Germany, Dusseldorf Airport will launch biometric controls on March 10, followed by Frankfurt and Munich airports.

The EES has faced multiple delays since its agreement in 2017, primarily due to concerns regarding the readiness of computer systems. These postponements have allowed operators to address technical issues and conduct thorough testing. “No one has an excuse not to be ready,” said Yann Leriche, chief executive of Eurotunnel, during a technology demonstration in Folkestone.

As the EU moves forward with this significant border management initiative, travelers and authorities alike are preparing for the operational shifts it will bring. The EES is positioned to redefine how borders are managed in the Schengen Area, emphasizing security while aiming to streamline the travel experience.