UK Citizens Advised to Prepare for EU Entry/Exit System Launch in October 2025

The UK Foreign Office has issued a formal advisory urging British citizens to prepare for the implementation of the EU's long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES), which is now expected to launch in October 2025. Though the exact start date is yet to be confirmed, EU authorities are expected to announce it soon, according to Schengen News.

The EES will replace manual passport stamping and introduce a biometric registration system for all non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area — including British passport holders. Upon their first entry, travelers will be required to provide fingerprints and have a facial photo taken at designated kiosks. These records will be stored digitally and remain valid for three years.

Once registered, travelers will only need to scan their fingerprint or photo for future entries or exits within the validity period, streamlining the border process. However, the initial registration phase is expected to result in long queues and extended wait times at key departure points in the UK — particularly Dover, the Eurotunnel, and St Pancras International Station in London.

The Foreign Office emphasized that passengers should consult their travel operators for specific advice on arrival times and be prepared for potential delays. "Be prepared for long queues," the advisory warned.

To minimize disruption, UK and EU authorities are collaborating closely. The EU is investing in infrastructure and technology upgrades across major transport hubs. Eurostar will install approximately 50 EES kiosks, while Eurotunnel will operate over 100 kiosks — adding an estimated five minutes to border processing time. Dover will deploy 24 kiosks and use mobile agents to help manage the flow.

Officials hope the EES will enhance security, reduce illegal overstays, and improve data collection for all external Schengen borders. However, for many British travelers, especially those who frequently cross into Europe, this marks a major post-Brexit shift from the freedom of movement they once enjoyed.

More details on the EES, including its exact rollout date, are expected in the coming weeks.