EU fingerprint and photo travel rules come into force
EU fingerprint and photo travel rules come into force
Starting Friday, the EU’s digital border system will fully operationalize, mandating fingerprint and photo collection with passport scans. This was the deadline for the Entry/Exit System (EES) to be active at all Schengen border crossings across 29 participating countries. The system began its rollout in October to enhance security and streamline travel, though some locations have faced challenges in implementation.
Implementation and Challenges
The gradual introduction of EES commenced on 12 October, with plans to complete the process over six months. Despite efforts to minimize disruptions, long queues have emerged at certain European airports, particularly during peak travel times. Travel experts have warned that delays could intensify during busy holiday periods.
“The system at some points has been blighted by IT issues, and long queues can form where travellers are unable to use the system with ease,” said a travel expert cited by the BBC.
Not all airports will activate the EES on Friday, including Milan and Lisbon. The system’s rollout is staggered, with some locations still in the early stages of adoption. For example, ferry passengers departing from Dover will undergo EES checks as they leave the UK, either at special kiosks or through manual processes by border officers.
Process and Details
When using the EES, individuals from most non-EU countries will register biometric data, including fingerprints and a photo, during their initial entry. This is done alongside a passport scan. The registration remains valid for three years, with details verified on each trip within that timeframe.
At Dover, ferry passengers in coaches began utilizing the EES in October. However, those traveling by car have yet to start using the system, with a specific date pending. Eurotunnel, which operates vehicle shuttles through the Channel Tunnel, is also implementing the EES incrementally. At its London St Pancras terminal, checks are currently handled manually, with automated kiosks expected to be fully operational later.
Logistical Adjustments
Significant changes have been made at Dover to accommodate the EES. The port has reclaimed land from the sea to create an additional processing area, a mile from the ferry terminal. This new zone shifts the French border to a coach processing building, allowing coaches to be sealed after checks are completed before proceeding to the ferry.
Eurostar has installed 49 EES kiosks across three areas near its London St Pancras terminal. Passengers are expected to use these before presenting their tickets at the departure zone. However, manual checks by border staff are still in place for some travelers. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint collection, with staff available to assist them during the process.
The EES will eventually replace the current practice of passport stamping by border officers. While the system aims to simplify travel, its early stages have highlighted logistical hurdles, such as the need for updated infrastructure and temporary adjustments to streamline operations.
