EU's New Biometric Entry System to Begin on Sunday, Affecting Non-EU Travelers

Starting this Sunday, the European Union (EU) will launch its long-awaited new biometric entry system, which will bring changes to how non-EU nationals, including Bangladeshis and British visitors, travel to and from the EU.

Under the new system, non-EU citizens will be required to register their personal details—including fingerprint scans and facial recognition—upon their first entry into the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area includes all EU countries except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

According to Reuters, border crossings will gradually begin collecting this information, with full implementation expected by April 10 of the following year. The aim is to prevent long lines at EU borders.

Why the Change?

The new electronic system will eliminate the need for manual passport stamping at EU external borders. Instead, biometric data will be used to link a travel document with an individual’s identity, creating a digital record of their entry and exit.

The EU is modernizing its external border management to combat illegal immigration, prevent identity fraud, and identify individuals who overstay their visas or breach their allowed duration of stay.

The system will monitor whether visa-free travelers are adhering to the rule of staying for only 90 days within a 180-day period.

What Will Happen

Upon their first entry into the Schengen Area, all individuals will need to scan their passports and provide biometric data, including fingerprint and facial scans.

When departing, travelers' details will be cross-checked against the Entry-Exit System (EES) database to ensure that they have adhered to the rules regarding their stay and that they have registered their exit.

For subsequent visits, only facial biometric verification will be required.

Children under 12 years old will also need to be registered in the EES, but only a photograph will be taken. Travelers will not be charged any fee for EES registration.

Where Will the Checks Take Place?

The biometric checks will take place at international airports, seaports, train terminals, and land border crossings within the Schengen Area.

However, for departures from the UK, travelers will need to complete EES registration at the Dover port, the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone, and the Eurostar terminal at London St. Pancras. French border authorities will oversee this registration. Once travelers reach their destination, no further checks will be required unless they exit the Schengen Area again.