Twenty-five days into the roll-out of the European Union’s entry-exit system (EES), travellers are reporting teething problems with the digital borders scheme.
In addition, implementation is happening more slowly that originally envisaged, with the Port of Dover’s plan for car drivers to provide biometrics postponed indefinitely from the proposed start date of 1 November 2025.
During the six-month roll-out, non-EU citizens must also go through the existing analogue passport examination and stamping – doubling the amount of red tape and adding to queues.
Unless problems are ironed out, it is possible that some of the strict milestones required by Brussels for the EES timetable may not be met.
Read more: I am travelling to the EU. What has changed with the entry-exit system?
What’s happening with EES?
Since 12 October 2025, British passport holders – as well as other “third-country nationals”, from the US, Canada, Australia and elsewhere – are potentially subject to the European Union’s entry-exit system (EES).
The EES requires travellers to provide fingerprints and facial biometrics on “first contact” with the system at a Schengen area crossing point. This zone comprises the EU plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, minus Ireland and Cyprus.
The Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission says: “The EES provides national authorities with real-time information on who enters the EU and when, marking a significant step in modernising and strengthening the security of the EU’s borders.
“The EES will help track who comes in and out of the Schengen Area, using fingerprint and face data to stop people from overstaying, using fake identities or misusing visa-free travel [and] give border officers and law enforcement authorities access to important traveller information, helping them to spot security risks and support the fight against serious crimes and terrorism.”
What’s the story at Dover?
The Port of Dover is one of three locations in the UK where border formalities for travellers to France and beyond are “juxtaposed”. Outbound travellers are required to cross the Schengen area border while still in Kent. Because of…
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