What's happened
From October 12, 2025, the EU began rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES), requiring non-EU nationals, including Britons, to register biometric data at borders. The phased rollout aims to improve security and detect overstayers but may cause delays, especially at UK border points like Dover and Eurostar. Full implementation is expected by April 2026.
What's behind the headline?
Impact on Travel and Trade
The introduction of EES marks a significant shift in border management for non-EU nationals, particularly British travellers post-Brexit. While the system enhances security by electronically tracking entries and exits, it inevitably introduces delays. Travel experts warn of up to four-hour queues at busy airports, especially in southern Europe, during the initial rollout phase.
Economic Consequences
The logistics sector faces substantial risks, with modelling estimating a potential £400 million annual cost due to delays for hauliers crossing the Channel. This financial strain threatens narrow-margin operators and could ripple through the UK economy, highlighting the critical need for government negotiations to secure exemptions or pre-clearance systems.
Political and Social Dimensions
The UK’s participation in designing EES while an EU member complicates the narrative, with some critics accusing the government of hypocrisy for now facing the system’s consequences. The system also underscores Brexit’s tangible effects on freedom of movement and border control, fueling debates about responsibility across generations and political factions.
Future Outlook
The phased rollout until April 2026 allows adaptation but requires close UK-EU cooperation to minimize disruption. The eventual replacement of passport stamping with biometric records will streamline travel long-term but demands significant infrastructure investment and public awareness to avoid confusion and delays.
Reader Relevance
For travellers, understanding EES is essential to avoid unexpected delays and comply with new requirements. For businesses, especially in logistics, the system’s impact on supply chains necessitates strategic planning and advocacy for smoother border processes.
What the papers say
Gwyn Topham in The Guardian details the phased rollout and infrastructure investments at UK border points, noting that "the time needed for additional checks... has led to fears of long queues," but also that the phased approach "has largely abated" some gridlock fears. Holly Bancroft in The Independent highlights travel industry warnings, quoting Julia Lo Bue-Said advising travellers to "allocate four hours for navigating the new system" at major southern European airports, and citing Logistics UK's estimate of a £400m economic cost from delays. The South China Morning Post explains the system's goal to "replace the manual stamp on passports and secure better information sharing," emphasizing the EU's intent to "prevent irregular migration and help protect security." The Independent's reader responses reveal divided opinions on Brexit's role, with some blaming "Brexiteers" for the loss of free movement and others pointing to shared responsibility across generations. Dave Burke in The Mirror underscores the government's efforts, quoting Borders Minister Alex Norris: "We recognise that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers," and Aviation Minister Keir Mather on funding ports with "£10.5 million to help them get ready." These perspectives collectively illustrate the system's complexity, economic stakes, and political sensitivities.
How we got here
The EU developed the Entry/Exit System over nearly a decade to replace manual passport stamping with biometric registration, enhancing border security and migration control. The UK, having left the EU in 2020, now faces new checks for its citizens entering the Schengen area, with border controls implemented both in the UK and EU countries.
Go deeper
- How will the new EU Entry/Exit System affect UK travellers?
- What economic impact will border delays have on UK trade?
- What measures are in place to minimize travel disruption during EES rollout?
Common question
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What Are the New European Border Checks and Travel Tips for UK Travelers?
Starting October 12, 2025, UK travelers heading to Europe will encounter new biometric border checks as part of the phased rollout of the Entry-Exit System (EES). These changes aim to enhance border security but may also lead to longer wait times at key crossings like Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel. If you're planning a trip, it's important to understand what these new checks involve, how they might affect your journey, and what steps you can take to avoid delays. Below, we answer common questions about the new border procedures and offer practical travel tips to help you prepare.
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What Are the New EU Border Checks for UK Travelers?
Starting October 12, UK travelers crossing into the EU will face new biometric border checks as part of the Entry-Exit System (EES). This change aims to boost security and improve border management but may also lead to longer wait times at key crossings like Dover and Eurostar. If you're planning to travel soon, understanding these new procedures can help you prepare and avoid surprises. Below, we answer common questions about these changes and how they might affect your journey.
More on these topics
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The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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The Schengen Area is an area comprising 26 European countries that have officially abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders.