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What is the EU's new Entry/Exit System and how does it work?
Starting October 12, 2025, the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace traditional passport stamps with digital biometric data collection. Travelers will have their fingerprints and facial images recorded at border points, which will be stored for three years. This system aims to improve border security and reduce illegal migration, but it may also lead to longer queues initially at airports and ports.
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How will biometric data collection change border crossings?
Biometric data collection at EU borders means travelers will no longer get passport stamps. Instead, their fingerprints and facial images will be scanned and stored electronically. This process speeds up border checks over time but might cause delays during the initial rollout as systems are tested and travelers adapt to the new process.
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What is India's online e-Arrival Card and who needs it?
India has introduced the e-Arrival Card for travelers from the UAE, effective from October 1, 2025. This online pre-arrival registration allows travelers to submit their details up to 72 hours before departure, helping to streamline immigration procedures and reduce waiting times upon arrival in India.
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How are these new border measures affecting travelers from the UK and UAE?
Travelers from the UK heading to the EU will experience biometric border checks similar to other non-EU nationals, which may mean longer wait times initially. Meanwhile, travelers from the UAE to India now need to complete the e-Arrival Card online before their trip, making their entry process smoother and faster. Both measures reflect a global shift towards digital border management.
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Will these new border rules impact travel times?
Yes, initially, the new biometric checks at EU borders may cause longer queues. However, over time, these systems are expected to speed up border crossings. Similarly, India's e-Arrival Card aims to reduce waiting times by allowing pre-departure registration, making arrivals quicker and more efficient.
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Are there security benefits to these new border measures?
Absolutely. The EU's biometric system enhances security by accurately verifying identities and preventing illegal crossings. India's online e-Arrival Card also improves security by ensuring travelers' details are verified before they arrive, reducing the risk of illegal immigration and enhancing overall border safety.