EU begins gradual rollout of digital border system
European Union member states have begun implementing a new entry and exit system at the bloc’s external borders that electronically records the data of non-EU citizens.
The Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated system that requires travelers to register at the border by scanning their passports, taking fingerprints and photographs, will be implemented within six months.
The aim of the move is to identify overstayers, combat identity fraud and prevent illegal immigration amid political pressure in some EU countries to take a tougher stance.
“The Entry/Exit System is the digital backbone of our new common European migration and asylum framework,” European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner said on Sunday. he said.
Non-EU citizens will need to register their personal information when they first enter the Schengen area (all EU member states except Ireland and Cyprus, but including Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein). Subsequent journeys will only require facial biometric verification.
The system will be fully operational on April 10, 2026, with the replacement of the passport stamp with electronic records.
“Every third-country national arriving at the external border will undergo identity verification, security screening and registration in EU databases,” Brunner said, adding that the “six-month implementation gives member states, travelers and businesses time to smoothly transition to the new procedures.”
For British travelers using the Port of Dover, the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone or the Eurostar terminal at London St Pancras International, the process will take place at the border before leaving the UK.
Only freight and bus traffic will be subject to EES controls at Dover and Eurotunnel terminal from Sunday.
Passenger vehicle checks will take place in Dover in November and at Eurotunnel by the end of the year. Eurostar in St Pancras will gradually introduce the new process for some business travelers from Sunday.
“We recognize that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers, so we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible,” UK Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris said.
“The UK and EU have a common goal of protecting our borders and these modernization measures will help us protect our citizens and prevent illegal migration,” Norris said.
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