From 12 October 2025, UK nationals travelling to Schengen countries will face new biometric border checks under the EU’s Entry/Exit System (ESS). Learn what it means for business travel and how to avoid delays.
UK travellers heading to Europe from October will face a significant change at border control, as the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (ESS) comes into effect. The automated system, designed to enhance security and streamline arrivals, will require non-EU nationals—including British passport holders—to register biometric data at the border.
The ESS will be phased in from 12 October 2025 over a six-month period, with travellers required to scan their passport and provide fingerprints and a facial photograph on their first entry to a participating Schengen country. Once registered, the data will remain valid for three years or until the passport expires.
The new rules apply to short-stay visits to Schengen countries such as France, Germany, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. Ireland and Cyprus are exempt. For future entries, travellers will only need to scan their passport and provide either a fingerprint or photo to verify their identity.
All travellers, including infants, must be photographed, although children under 12 will not be required to give fingerprints. The checks are expected to take up to two minutes per person, but the UK government has warned that longer wait times may occur, particularly during peak travel periods.
To raise awareness, the government has launched a public information campaign across social media and travel platforms, advising passengers to allow extra time for border procedures and to familiarise themselves with the new requirements.
For those departing from juxtaposed border points—such as the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, or St Pancras International (we reported yesterday on Eurostar and their process) – the ESS process will be completed before leaving the UK. Infrastructure is being adapted to accommodate the new system, with efforts underway to minimise disruption.
For business travellers, the ESS represents a new layer of complexity in cross-border movement. While the system promises long-term efficiency, the initial rollout may require additional planning, particularly for multi-leg itineraries or time-sensitive meetings.
As the travel landscape evolves, staying informed and prepared will be key to maintaining seamless journeys across Europe.