UK Travellers to Face Major Delays as New EU Biometric Border Checks Are Rolled Out Across Europe for Winter 2025

Published on December 12, 2025

The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel advisory for British nationals heading to Europe during the winter months. Starting from October 2025, the European Union implemented a new Entry/Exit System (EES) that requires non-EU citizens, including UK travellers, to register biometric information at the border.

Introduction of Biometric Registration

The EES system mandates that travellers, including UK nationals, have their facial photograph taken and their fingerprints scanned upon arrival at any border within the Schengen Area. The system is designed to streamline border processes, aiming to reduce long queues at passport control.

The biometric data gathered through this procedure will be linked to an individual’s passport, establishing a digital record that will remain valid for three years. This means that UK nationals visiting multiple Schengen countries within this period will only need to provide their fingerprints or photo upon arrival, without having to register again.

Implementation Across the Schengen Area

This new system is being rolled out at airports across the Schengen zone. EU officials believe that the introduction of EES will significantly cut down waiting times and improve the efficiency of border control. Many EU nations have already implemented this system, while others are in the process of introducing it. Countries where EES is currently applied or being implemented include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Travellers should be aware that traditional passport stamping will still occur during the first six months of the scheme’s rollout. However, this is expected to be phased out as the system becomes fully operational.

What This Means for UK Travellers

For UK nationals heading to the Schengen Area, the key requirement is that they register their biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) when they arrive. No prior action is needed before reaching the border, and the process is free of charge.

The only exceptions to this process are for travellers entering the Schengen Area through the Port of Dover, St Pancras International, or Eurotunnel at Folkestone. For those routes, biometric registration must be completed before departure from the UK.

Details of the EES Registration Process

When travellers arrive in a Schengen country, they will need to provide their biometric details at the border. After their data is registered, it will be stored in a secure digital system, linked to their passport information. The system is designed to ensure a faster and smoother border experience for travellers, while also enhancing security measures.

Once the biometric information has been recorded, it will remain valid for three years. If a traveller enters the Schengen Area again during this period, they will only be required to provide their fingerprints or photo at the border. This simplifies the entry and exit process, as individuals will not need to undergo the full biometric registration again.

Impact on Travellers During the Winter Season

With the busy winter travel season approaching, British nationals heading to Europe for events such as Christmas markets and festive getaways should be aware of the potential for longer wait times at border controls, especially if they are entering multiple countries. While the goal of the new system is to reduce waiting times, the initial implementation phase may still cause some delays as travellers adapt to the new process.

The Foreign Office has also highlighted that travellers should allow extra time for their journeys, particularly during the peak holiday season. With the new EES system in place, UK nationals should be prepared for the biometric registration process, which may take additional time at border crossings.

Countries Affected by EES

As mentioned, the new biometric registration requirement applies to all travellers entering the Schengen Area. The affected countries include some of the most popular travel destinations for UK nationals, such as Spain, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Sweden. The list also includes several smaller EU states and nations that may be less well-known to some British tourists.

Travellers should check the official guidelines from the Foreign Office or the EU to confirm the specific countries where they will be required to register biometric information. While the system will eventually be in place across the entire Schengen zone, it’s crucial for travellers to stay updated on any specific travel advisories or changes in the process.

The Future of European Border Control

The introduction of the EES system marks a significant shift in the way border controls are handled across the EU. By using biometric data to create digital profiles linked to individual passports, the system aims to make travel more efficient while enhancing security measures. The European Union has made it clear that this system is a long-term solution to streamline the travel process within the Schengen Area.

While there may be initial delays as the system is implemented, the ultimate goal is to improve the overall travel experience for visitors, reducing wait times at busy borders and improving the flow of people between EU countries. UK travellers, as well as other non-EU nationals, are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and plan accordingly.

Conclusion

As the EU moves forward with its new Entry/Exit System, UK nationals planning to travel to Europe will need to ensure they are prepared for the biometric registration process. While this is expected to increase efficiency at border control, travellers should expect some initial delays as the system becomes fully operational. The new system is designed to streamline the border entry process and enhance security, offering benefits for both travellers and EU member states in the long term.